Internet Cafes May Be Fronts For Illegal Gambling
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OAKLAND: East Bay Businesses Accused Of Running Illegal Gambling Operations
Updated on: 2010-10-19 01:51:47
Critics were leveling serious charges Monday night against certain businesses around the East Bay that appear to be nondescript internet cafes but – according to detractors – are actually fronts for illegal internet gambling.
The critics claimed the illegal activity is taking place right under the noses of authorities.
When KTVU investigated, it was difficult to determine if the so-called internet cafes were fronts for illegal gambling because none of the people seen entering and leaving one establishment in question wanted to talk about it.
At Durant Square on International Boulevard in Oakland, several people could be seen sitting in front of monitors playing games. Those coming out wouldn't discuss what kind of games they were playing.
Dee King runs a small non-profit charity in Richmond and relies on bingo money to fund her services. She said small charities were losing money to some larger bingo halls which allegedly run illegal internet gambling on the side.
"They call them internet cafes," explained King. "They have a variety of names for them."
Richard Poe said he became aware of the problem as a property owner in Richmond. He showed KTVU a cease and desist order from the city of Oakland against the Durant Square operation.
The order was dated almost three weeks ago, but the operation appears to be going strong regardless.
"They're in Vallejo, they're in Concord and they have two very large ones here in Richmond," said Poe.
KTVU visited a second location located at Foothill Square on Oakland's Macarthur Boulevard Monday, but security asked the camera crew to leave.
There have been busts of such internet gambling operations in San Diego and Stockton. One woman at Durant Square said she hadn't considered whether the games were illegal until she was asked.
"It looks like a slot machine," the woman conceded.
A representative from Durant Square stayed behind a door, but told KTVU she didn't know if the tenant was breaking the law.
The issue was expected to go in front of the Oakland City Council Tuesday night. The city attorney's office said it will also be on hand to hear the complaints and possibly take action.
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Víctor Lei
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