Local gambling investigation continues

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - Last month, WAVY.com uncovered what police call three illegal gambling operations in Hampton. After receiving dozens of calls, WAVY.com continued its investigation throughout Hampton Roads and beyond the Commonwealth.

The world of illegal video gambling revolves around taking chances.

"It's just like being in Las Vegas," said a Hampton employee. "You can win thousands of dollars."

Players risk their hard earned cash with the hopes of winning it big.

Police say these types of businesses are illegal. State lawmakers say it's a growing problem in Hampton Roads. 

Last month, WAVY.com went undercover in three Hampton businesses police say were running illegal gambling operations. WAVY.com was there as investigators broke up the activity.

"Does it just take cash or do you have to get a card," WAVY.com asked one employee.

Since the Hampton bust, WAVY.com found businesses with slot machines throughout Hampton Roads. They all run in different ways, but mostly use a debit card-type system. Inside one business, the machines spit out prepaid calling cards. Players say the cards are worth cash.

We asked one player what you win and she told us it's not calling cards, but real cash.

WAVY.com asked another employee how the games worked.

He told us, "Let me put it to you this way, there is no gambling in Virginia."

We asked him what the deal is with cards. He said, "Cards don't mean nothing unless you want to take it home and use it," said the employee. "You get points and each point is a nickel a point."

"I think it's an insidious way of taking people's money," said North Carolina Representative Ray Rapp.

WAVY.com did some more digging and found just to our south, North Carolina leaders are also battling video gambling. Rapp drafted legislation aimed at shutting the operations down.

"There's a lot of money to be made on these machines. If there weren't, you wouldn't see the push to get them as widely distributed as possible," added Rapp.

Lawmakers say businesses keep finding loopholes, even after they've passed two bills.

"It's frustrating, but they will not stop and there are billions of dollars involved in this industry," said Rapp.

"Virginia law is very specific," said Delegate John Cosgrove from Chesapeake. "Gambling is illegal in Virginia."

Delegate Cosgrove says these types of business are the radar and the Virginia Legislature will take action if they keep popping up.

"Should that happen, in the very next session of the Virginia General Assembly we would react swiftly to make the law even clearer," added Cosgrove.

Police Departments around Hampton Roads tell us they are currently investigating several businesses.