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Effort follow investigation, seizure of machines at Opp business

Recently, the Opp Police Department, in coordination with the Covington County District Attorney’s Office, seized illegal coin push machines and scratch-off tickets from an Opp business.

The investigation began after complaints were received about illegal coin push machines located at the VP Mart/Sunoco in Opp.  Concerned citizens reported that, not only could money be won from the machine itself, but scratch-off tickets redeemable for cash prizes from the store’s cashier could also be redeemed.  Both methods of winning money from a “game of chance” are illegal under Alabama law.

An investigation was opened, which included sending undercover officers into the store to play the machine and verify reports were true.  Once verified, District Attorney Walt Merrell sent a cease-and-desist letter to the business owner, Vishal Patel, explaining the machines and tickets were violative of the law and their use must be immediately discontinued.  When Patel failed to remove the machines, Merrell and his staff filed suit against Patel and the VP Mart for civil asset forfeiture.  The State asserted the items were illegal games of chance and, as such, were due to be seized and forfeited.

“I have long been against gambling being brought to this State.  It leads to a world of other evils and other problems that the pro-gambling lobby always fail to discuss when trying to sell the idea of gambling as being ‘good for the State,’” Merrell said. “It brings greater financial burdens to those already struggling financially, which leads to increased theft or burglary.  Addicts will spend their last dollar hoping to win another $10 to find their next high.  Those already in a good financial position aren’t typically the ones gambling, although I have seen elderly folks gamble away their life savings.”

Opp Police Chief Kevin Chance added, “Myself and my officers have taken an oath to uphold the laws of this State.  For as long as these machines are against the law, we will continue to enforce the laws and remove the machines from our City.”

Circuit Judge Ben Bowden presided over the case, ultimately awarding the machines and tickets to the State to be destroyed.  The money contained within the machines was also seized and forfeited.  State law requires that asset forfeiture funds related to gambling be paid into the State General Fund.

Recently, State Rep. Matthew Hammett introduced a bill calling for harsher penalties on gambling offenses, to include a scaled level of punishment for multiple convictions.  Representative Hammett stated, “It is my firm belief that gaming is against the best interest of the people of this State, and I was elected to fervently pursue that interest.  I appreciate Walt’s and law enforcement’s willingness to pursue these crimes as many around our state fail to enforce these laws.”

Hammett has called on the Chiefs of every department in the County to enforce the law.  “One law is no more or less important than any other, and I hope they will get the illegal devices out of our communities.”  Hammett added, “They are solely intended to take people’s money.  Business owners aren’t the ones losing money – you can be certain of that.”

Hammett’s bill, House Bill 41, would also make it easier for prosecutors and police to hold business owners responsible.  “Right now, the most likely person to get arrested is the store clerk.  They probably aren’t the one making money from the machine, so we want to get to the true source of the problem,” explained Hammett.

Hammett said his Bill also stiffens penalties for repeat offenders and makes it easier for law enforcement to seize these illegal machines.  “All we heard last year was ‘we have to do something about illegal gambling around the State!’ and this bill does that.”

Merrell added that even if there are not jurisdictions that will “do their duty, we will.  This is no different than stealing $20 from someone’s pocket.  Trouble is, the folks losing all their money on false hope then start looking to the community to help them make ends meet.  These machines are robbing Peter and the user then expects Paul to pay for the trouble they create.”

Hammett added that, in recent years, “the illegal devices seem to have become more prevalent.  It’s a blatant disrespect of the law and of our community.  No, it’s not the crime of the century now, but if you don’t police small crimes, they eventually become big crimes.  Statistically, it is irrefutable that wherever gambling operations come into an area, crime rates go up.  This is a situation where we need to uphold the law now, or deal with the consequences later.”

Merrell concluded with putting business owners on notice.  “Arrests are coming.  Now is your opportunity to get the illegal devices out.”

When asked about his thoughts, Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman said, “Gambling comes at a price.  It acts as a hidden tax on the public, often paid by those who fail to understand its financial consequences.  The law should always prioritize transparency and fairness. Unfortunately, lower-income individuals may not fully grasp how much they are spending on gambling until it burdens their lives.  In most cases, the chance of winning is just that — a chance.  It’s far wiser to save money and use it responsibly when truly needed, rather than risking it on uncertain outcomes.  As Sheriff, I will always uphold and enforce the laws of our state and country.  I am committed to ensuring justice, maintaining public safety, and protecting the rights of all citizens in accordance with the law.  Working with law makers and our District Attorney is paramount to protect our citizens.  I appreciate their willingness to make informed decisions and enforce what is right.”