UPDATED: This story was updated to include information from Chief Duane Weyand about what officers observed during the investigation and about possibly pending charges.
This story was previously updated to include information from an Ohio Casino Control Commission press release about the searches, including information about complaints against Lucky You filed with the commission and items seized.
WILMINGTON — Wilmington police along with other agencies searched both Lucky You businesses in Wilmington and Jeffersonville — as well as the owner’s home in Washington Court House — Wednesday, according to Wilmington Police Chief Duane Weyand.
The search began at 9 a.m., and included the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, as well as prosecutors in both counties and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The OCCC received complaints about Lucky You alleging that the arcade paid out cash prizes, which, if true, would violate state law. Weyand, in an email, said officers observed cash prizes being paid at both locations during their investigation.
“Gaming machines, documents and other items were seized during the raid,” according to the OCCC’s prepared statement.
The home searched was located at 1000 State Route 734 NE, Washington Court House. It belongs to Lucky You’s owner, Dean Long.
“We’re working to continue our investigation into illegal gambling that’s been occurring at both Lucky You’s for some time now,” Weyand said.
“The law is clear about the paying out of cash prizes, and we will continue to hold accountable anyone who conducts illegal casino gaming in Ohio,” said Matt Schuler, Executive Director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. “The Commission takes our responsibility to ensure the integrity of gaming seriously, and we appreciate the assistance we received on this investigation from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Fayette County Prosecutor’s Office and the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.”
No one has been arrested or charged.
“Numerous items were seized as a result of the search warrants and the matter remains under investigation, as there will be a lot of records to review before charges are filed,” Weyand said.
Reach Nathan Kraatz at 937-382-2574, ext. 2510 or on Twitter @NathanKraatz.
