A recent sweeping investigation by law enforcement officers into illegal gambling locations and operations that have been running across the Southern Ohio region has resulted in the confiscation of more than 100 slot machines and over $200,000 in illegal cash.
This comes on the back of more widespread societal concerns in the state regarding the impact of gambling on local communities. The sting was run by the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force, which had been investigating this particular case for more than a year. The operation targeted multiple different businesses that were suspected to be operating criminal and underworld casino-style gaming setups.
Three main establishments were at the center of the investigation, which was submitted to the Scioto County Grand Jury in mid-November. Lucky Dog 7 in South Point, Three Kings in New Boston, and Three Aces in Portsmouth were the main culprits that the task force managed to mount evidence against. The operation gathered evidence to suggest that these establishments were ‘Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity’. It remains to be seen what the outcome of this will be when it goes to court.
Law enforcement officers advised and stressed once again that illegal gambling operations in the state pose a major risk and serious threat to the state and will be dealt with accordingly by the authorities. Investigators thanked the local community tip-offs, which played a crucial part in allowing for such a successful operation.
This investigation fuels, and comes amid, wider societal and cultural discussions, which remain heated in the area, regarding the impact of gambling on those in the state. Having legalized casinos and sports betting in recent years, there has been a recent push to legalize online gambling, which has been met with some stern opposition.
The industry is clearly in a bit of turmoil within the state, and policymakers have tried to seek cautionary examples from other states to back their cause. Despite this, the wider trajectory for gambling in US states has been positive. The likes of Arkansas, which has managed to maintain a limited and regulated casino market with clearly defined rules, set out a great example of how things could be done. Whilst online gambling is not permitted in Arkansas, people can access offshore online betting platforms that are anonymous and licensed, and casinos available in Arkansas are often cited in legislative discussions elsewhere as a way of portraying alternative regulatory approaches.
The scandals related to gambling in Ohio have not been limited to just illegal operational problems. The Cleveland Guardians’ pitchers’ betting scandal has brought the laws of gambling into the limelight of late, which ultimately resulted in a public apology from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who described regret surrounding sports betting legislation. These negative stories around gambling in Ohio have brought about a more widespread resentment from the public towards the industry of late. Despite this, the state remains the fourth most popular state for gambling in the US, and over the first 6 months of 2025, sports betting wagers neared $5 billion. A clear sign that the industry remains buoyant and thriving despite the controversies surrounding it.