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Texas Police Charge Man With Gambling Offenses
AUSTIN, TEXAS --
Texas authorities have used organized crime statutes to indict an Austin businessman for running an illegal gambling operation. The prosecutions have come even though Texas law requires patrons be rewarded monetarily to qualify as illegal gambling, which did not happen in this case.
Gordon Graves and his company, Aces Wired, have opened amusement centers throughout the state, featuring eight-line machines modeled after Vegas slots. But Graves investigated the law before developing his business, and found that he could legally reward players with coupons exchangeable for merchandise or services.
Graves opened his first gaming venue in 2005, and by this year had over six hundred machines operating in six locations. The first three quarters of the year have yielded over $8 million in income. But officials in several counties have closed centers and confiscated machines and cash over $1 million.
The attorney representing Graves, Roy Minton, doesn't understand why law enforcement is after Graves. "Mr. Graves is dedicated to being sure he hasn't violated any state or federal gambling laws."
And Aces Wired lawyer Paul Coggins added, "Once two or three of these district attorneys lose their cases, the rest will figure out this is not a worthwhile way to expend their resources."
In the meantime, Aces Wired has laid off most of its workers, and declared a net loss of $13 million for the first three quarters. Texas prosecutors may lose their case and still force an honest entrepreneur to shut his business, costing people employment in these troublesome times.
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