CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Photos shared by police show a dark room with neon lights, crowded with chairs around gaming tables. Police, along with state and federal officers, raided illegal gaming arcades in Raleigh and around the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

What You Need To Know

  • The raids happened in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia and Matthews, producing over 800 charges
  • The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade-in for cash
  • In Charlotte, law enforcment seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns

The warrants to search the properties included 800 different charges for people accused of illegal gambling in the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade in for cash, police said.

Locations of Charlotte-based raids included the 4800 block of Albermarle Road and the 5000 block of Providence Road Law enforcement seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns. Raleigh’s raid was on the 3000 block of Wilmington Street.

“Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations. We are very thankful for our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to help us send a message that we will not tolerate these establishments preying on our citizens,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings.

Khalil Okasha was arrested and charged with gambling-related crimes.

A group of others face different charges as well. In a release, it was reported that Mecklenburg County filed 496 charges and Gastonia filed 304 charges.

“Apparently, these suspects never heard the adage that crime doesn’t pay, but thanks to this investigation they will learn that lesson and face the consequences of their criminal actions,” said Kyle Burns, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina.