The sheriff’s office in Fairfield County collected over 100 pieces of evidence during a raid at an illegal casino. Detectives were responding to citizen tips concerning a casino and numerous complaints and reports of incidents.
Local law enforcement executed a search warrant at a location in Lancaster in response to allegations of an illegal casino. Officers confiscated more than 100 pieces of evidence and over $29,000. They also recovered narcotics on the scene.
Illegal casino investigation is ongoing
According to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, detectives responded to numerous complaints and reports of incidents at an illegal Ohio casino on the 2400 block of Columbus-Lancaster Road in a building adjacent to the Colonial Estates Mobile Home in northwest Lancaster.
Sheriff Alex Lape says the detective bureau served a search warrant and confiscated over 100 pieces of evidence, including over $29,000 and an undetermined amount of narcotics. Sheriff Lape thanked the locals for their help in bringing attention to this illegal casino operation.
“We work diligently to make Fairfield County a safe and secure place for all. Illegal gambling can lead to more serious crimes and compromise the safety of our communities,” said Lape.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office Detective bureau are continuing to investigate the casino and its operation. They expect to file charges soon. Anyone with more information on this casino or any other illegal gambling can call 740-652-7900 or the Ohio Casino Control Commission at 614-387-5838.
While online casinos in Ohio are illegal, there are four retail casinos and seven racinos available — the law enforcement does its best to keep all retail gambling done at those 11 regulated facilities.
Other Illegal gambling investigations ongoing in Ohio
Illegal gambling in Ohio has been an issue in the state for some time. Recently, a federal grand jury in Cleveland charged 10 people with operating illegal gambling businesses in Canton, Ohio as well as with tax-related offenses.
Gambling is legal in the state at designated Ohio casinos or racinos. It is illegal to take part in gambling at an unapproved location. According to Ohio law, you could face a minor misdemeanor or a fourth-degree misdemeanor if you have similar prior offenses.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is also investigating some fantasy sports operators for illegally offering sports betting. Officials say they are looking to crack down on daily fantasy sports websites that offer wagering options that resemble player prop bets offered by sportsbook operators. The OCCC says that five fantasy sports websites are currently under investigation for offering illegal gambling in Ohio.
Sports betting in Ohio launched on Jan. 1. The OCCC regulates and licenses both sportsbooks and fantasy sports sites, which operate under distinct rules and regulations. The OCCC first began granting licenses to fantasy sports sites in 2020.
