Many critics of legalizing gambling are citing the growth in crime as a main reason why it shouldn’t happen.  Though there is no clear cut evidence to prove that claim, it is a concern for many legislators throughout the states. With the pending legalization and regulation of gambling, many are worried that crime will run rampant throughout the nation. Critics are citing the need for increasing police forces and gambling addiction services, or at minimum having a plan to increase them, as prerequisites for legalizing gambling. There are billions of dollars to be had in the gambling market and as one politician said, “Every moment the US does not legalize and regulate gambling, it is allowing millions of dollars to slip out of its hands.” The reality is that people are going to gamble. If it isn’t available in their states, people will either travel to neighboring states that allow gambling or begin gambling online via offshore companies. Either way, funds are being channeled outside the locations where people are gambling.

Recently Oklahoma City experienced a big crime with the finding of an illegal slot machine gambling operation. The whole operation came to the notice of police due to an anonymous tip they received. It was Bingo City, in northwestern Oklahoma City, where the illegal slot machines were being operated. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department and the Oklahoma City Police Department worked together to stop the operations. When the police entered the facility, they found 50 plus people playing on the slot machines illegally. The people were asked to leave immediately and employees were questioned. No arrests were made that day.

The only one who will see legal problems is the owner. Police found illegal phone card machines and those are what the owner was using as slot machines. He is now facing a felony complaint of commercial gambling for having illegal slot machines on his property. He also may have to face additional misdemeanor charges of possession of slot machines.  Unfortunately authorities will have to find the owner first because he was not present, nor has he been located since the discovery.  As police strengthen up their forces they expect to find more illegal complaints to investigate. Especially since the gambling industry is changing so rapidly.