HARRISBURG, PA — A months-long investigation into illegal gambling activities has led to the seizure of more than 400 unauthorized gambling devices and charges being filed against two companies operating the machines. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the enforcement action, which involved cooperation between the Office of Attorney General (OAG) and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The investigation culminated in a series of raids conducted in March at establishments across western Pennsylvania, including bars, gas stations, and convenience stores. The counties affected include Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Indiana, Somerset, Venango, Erie, Washington, Armstrong, and Westmoreland, where the illegal devices were discovered and confiscated.
The companies charged in connection with the operation are Buffalo Skills Games, Inc., and J.J. Amusement, Inc., both owned and operated by John F. Conley. Conley has prior federal convictions for illegal gambling activities. The OAG has filed felony corrupt organizations charges against the two entities, alleging their operation was designed to generate substantial profits through the deployment of illegal gambling devices.
“These devices were essentially slot machines dressed up as skill games,” said Attorney General Sunday in a statement. He commended the Pennsylvania State Police for their assistance in dismantling what he described as a “large-scale operation” responsible for significant illegal gambling profits.
The case is being prosecuted by the OAG’s Gaming Enforcement Section, which will oversee further legal proceedings. Authorities emphasized that criminal charges and allegations are not determinations of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law..
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