Alexandria's Anti-Gambling Efforts Hit Snag as Case Dismissed
In a setback to Alexandria's anti-gambling efforts, a case in Hanover County has dismissed charges against a skill games operator. This decision may impact the city's ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling devices, following the 2020 outlawing of crazy games by the Virginia legislature.
Two local business owners, Oscar Salinas and Michelle Kim, have been charged with possessing an illegal gambling device. Salinas, a 57-year-old Arlington resident, operates a restaurant in the Del Ray North Shopping Center. Kim, a 53-year-old from Montgomery County, Maryland, runs her business in the 200 block of S. Van Dorn Street. This marks the first time Alexandria business owners have been indicted for operating crazy games.
Previously, the Alexandria Police Department had issued warning letters to both Salinas and Kim, along with other businesses, about the illegality of skill games. Despite these warnings, some businesses continued to operate the devices, potentially facing severe penalties. Business owners found guilty could face a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to a year in prison, a $2,500 fine, and a $25,000 civil penalty per device.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares recently issued a memorandum reaffirming the illegality of skill game devices, despite the dismissed case in Hanover County.
The dismissed case in Hanover County may complicate Alexandria's efforts to curb illegal gambling. However, with the recent charges against Salinas and Kim, and the Attorney General's memo, the city continues to enforce the ban on skill games. Business owners are reminded of the potential penalties and are urged to comply with the law.
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