Georgia county in internet gambling blitz

Enforcement officials in Floyd County, Georgia have raided seven gas station stores after a nine month investigation into alleged online ‘sweepstakes’ style gambling on the premises.

The Rome News-Tribune reports that Sheriff department and other officials, including some from the Georgia Department of Revenue, were involved in the mid-morning raids Monday.

Sheriff Tim Burkhalter told reporters, “Cash pay-outs are illegal and we will make sure we enforce the law when it comes to illegal pay-outs. This is something we feel is a scourge in our community.”

While having slot machines in a store is legal, having a cash pay-out isn’t, Burkhalter said.

One store owner, Nikki Raj, said the investigation didn’t worry her because she and her family operate their business according to state law.

Those who play on the machines, she said, use their virtual earnings for store credit to purchase merchandise such as food.