Police Sting Nets $1 Million and Video Poker Machines
Is Poker the Downfall of the CIA?
Wednesday 10th May 2006
Once again, video poker is back in the headlines. This time, the commotion is in North Carolina, where a police sting has led to the owners of an amusements company being prosecuted for violating gambling laws.
Michael and Barbara Waguespeak are accused of running a vast criminal enterprise in Cumberland County, fronted by their Funtime Amusements business. It is said that the video poker machines found in their bars, restaurants and other businesses had paid out $8,000 in cash prizes over 3 years. This may seem trifling, but seeing as the law states that prizes can not exceed the value of $10 or even be cash, the Waguespeaks are looking at some stiff sentences.
Raids at their homes also netted the police £1 million in cash along with some spare video poker machines and the obligatory firearms. They have already had their case adjourned so that lawyers can try and find technicalities that will get them in the clear.
Once again, video poker is back in the headlines. This time, the commotion is in North Carolina, where a police sting has led to the owners of an amusements company being prosecuted for violating gambling laws.