DAYTON, Tenn. — Deputies in Rhea County confiscated what they say are illegal gambling machines at 4 separate businesses in Dayton on Thursday.
Photos show deputies wheeling out at least 1 freestanding arcade machine into the back of a van.
A post on the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page calls it
…a coordinated effort to eliminate illegal gambling operations in the community. Detectives served multiple search warrants at four locations following numerous complaints about illegal gambling devices.
The post did not specifically say which stores deputies targeted, or whether there were any arrests. We have followed up with authorities to learn these details, and we’ll update this story once we do.
Journalists with the Rhea Herald News newspaper appeared to be at some of the businesses while the busts were taking place, according to a Facebook post.
One of the photos in that post shows a deputy outside the One Stop Tobacco store on Dayton Mountain Highway, just south of Dayton.
The newspaper’s post says
Three stores on the south end [of Dayton] and one on the north end were involved.
The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department Facebook post says this is not the first time Sheriff Mike Neal has worked to remove illegal gambling from Rhea County before, back in 2002-2003. The post says
At the time, Neal personally oversaw the seizure of numerous illegal poker machines across Rhea County, sending a clear message that gambling operations would not be tolerated. These earlier efforts helped curtail gambling activity temporarily, but recent complaints indicate a resurgence of these illegal practices.
Reflecting on his earlier efforts, Sheriff Neal remarked, ‘Back then, we made it clear that illegal gambling has no place in Rhea County. That mission remains unchanged. We will continue to enforce the law to protect the integrity of our community and safeguard our residents.’
We’re working to learn more details about which businesses were busted. Depend on us to bring you updates as we get them.
Read the full text of the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rhea County Sheriff’s Department Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Operations
Dayton, TN — The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department has announced a coordinated effort to eliminate illegal gambling operations in the community. Detectives served multiple search warrants at four locations following numerous complaints about illegal gambling devices.
This action reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to addressing illegal gambling in Rhea County, which has a history of exploiting vulnerable residents and damaging the community’s well-being.
Illegal Gambling: A Community Concern
Illegal gambling operations often lead to harmful consequences, including:
Addiction: Gambling devices prey on vulnerable individuals, trapping them in cycles of financial and emotional strain.
Criminal Activity: These operations often serve as hubs for money laundering, fraud, and other illicit activities.
Economic Harm: Legitimate businesses and the local economy suffer when illegal gambling operations divert financial resources.
Social Impact: The exploitation of vulnerable populations undermines the fabric of a healthy community.
Historical Efforts Against Illegal Gambling
This is not Sheriff Mike Neal’s first battle against illegal gambling. In 2002-2003, Neal led similar efforts during his earlier tenure, which were highlighted by the Rhea Herald News. At the time, Neal personally oversaw the seizure of numerous illegal poker machines across Rhea County, sending a clear message that gambling operations would not be tolerated. These earlier efforts helped curtail gambling activity temporarily, but recent complaints indicate a resurgence of these illegal practices.
Reflecting on his earlier efforts, Sheriff Neal remarked, “Back then, we made it clear that illegal gambling has no place in Rhea County. That mission remains unchanged. We will continue to enforce the law to protect the integrity of our community and safeguard our residents.”
Commitment to Community Safety
Sheriff Mike Neal emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting residents. “Illegal gambling devices are not harmless,” said Sheriff Neal. “They exploit the vulnerable and harm the community. Our mission is to ensure that Rhea County remains a safe and lawful place for all its residents.”
Definition of Gambling Devices
A gambling device is defined as any instrument, contrivance, or apparatus designed for playing games in which a substantial element of chance determines the outcome, and where the reward is money or something of value. These devices undermine lawful behavior and exploit individuals for profit.
Community Participation is Vital
Sheriff Neal urges residents to report any suspicious activities related to illegal gambling. “We need the community’s help to tackle this issue effectively. Together, we can ensure a safer, stronger Rhea County,” Neal stated.