Full Notification

(Etowah County, Alabama) It has come to the attention of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office that several, local convenience stores may have illegal gambling devices inside their business.

Sheriff Todd Entrekin wants to warn the local owners that gambling is illegal in Etowah County. The sheriff’s office has worked hard with other law enforcement agencies to enforce Alabama laws that state electronic gambling devices are illegal.

“As a 32 year law enforcement officer in Etowah County, we’ve always arrested and prosecuted anyone who brings illegal electronic machines into the county,” Sheriff Entrekin said. “And until those laws are changed, we will continue to do so.”

Business owners are asked to have these illegal machines removed before next week or they will be arrested. Individuals who are caught with gambling devices could face charges of possession of a gambling device or promoting gambling, both are misdemeanors.

Sheriff Entrekin adds, “It is my understanding that store owners have been convinced by those selling the machines that they are legal in the State of Alabama, they are wrong.”

If business owners have questions about possible illegal machines inside their business please call the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office at 256-546-2825 to have them inspected.

An investigation is currently ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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