Police bust video gambling operation

They're popping up everywhere and police continue to say they're illegal. We're talking about video gaming cafes. It's a new trend that WAVY.com continues to investigate.

"It's almost like being at a casino," one player told WAVY.com, "They're going to get you."

Our on-going investigation keeps finding more and more businesses trying to hit the jackpot by stocking up on video slot machines.

"So, you'll actually walk out with cash?" we asked an employee.

"Yeah. Oh, yeah," was the reply.

This year, WAVY.com has investigated operations in Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake, Norfolk and now Portsmouth. That was the site of our latest probe. A three month police undercover investigation ended with officers raiding two businesses.

Last week, our cameras were there as Portsmouth police carried out computers and other gaming equipment from "Sweepstakes" on Victory Boulevard and "T.I." on Airline Blvd.

"In this case, we feel that what is set up at this location is illegal under the current statute for gambling," said Portsmouth Police Captain Garrett Shelton.

Officers shut down both businesses and seized almost 50 computers. They arrested five people.

As we furthered our investigation, we learned the businesses are actually listed as "Lucky Dawg One and Two." Robert Judd owns both of them. We found Judd inside "T.I." during our investigation. We asked him why the business was called "T.I."

"I'm trying to hide over here in Portsmouth," Judd said. But Judd couldn't hide from police who arrested him the night of the raid. Judd tells WAVY.com he has done nothing illegal, and the truth will come out in court.

"We've been very clear we don't want slot machines in Virginia," said Delegate Chris Jones.

Jones is the Chairman of Virginia's Charitable Gaming Commission. He, along with others in Richmond are looking for ways to stop video gaming cafes from opening up.

"What do we need to do to tighten up the regulations in the law to say you can't come in to have, really what amounts to a slot machine, in Virginia," added Jones.

Several lawmakers have told WAVY.com the Commonwealth's battle with gaming companies has just begun. A battle that might ultimately decide whether these businesses are legal or illegal.

"Is this legal," we asked Jerome Wick an employee at "T.I."

"But of course," Wick answered.

WAVY.com has learned the company who supplied the video equipment to the Portsmouth businesses is Hest Technologies out of Texas. We contacted the attorney for Hest who promised us a company response. We're still waiting on their reply.