Mon. Mar 17th, 2025
Police close westside business, allege illegal gambling

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shut down a West Boulevard business that the authorities allege was an illegal gambling operation.

CMPD did not name the business but said it operated from a building at 2501 West Blvd.

On March 4, CMPD officers were sent to the location in response to a shooting in the parking lot. Investigators determined that the victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was the manager of the business, which CMPD described as an “illegal arcade.”

The shooting happened during a failed robbery attempt, the department said.

On March 5, officers with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) unit executed the search warrant at the location and seized 106 illegal gaming stations, three “payment redemption kiosks” and $12,320 in cash, according to CMPD.

Why it matters: The proliferation of gaming arcades has emerged as a growing concern for the police and city officials. Most of the businesses operate in low-income Black communities, where they often attract crime and loitering.

Last October, members of the City Council’s intergovernmental relations committee called for new regulations to address the spread of gaming arcades in Charlotte.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department alleges that illegal gambling took place inside this location on West Boulevard. (Photo: CMPD)

By Xplayer