Eleven Arrested and over $500,000 Seized in Effingham County Raids
Seven stores busted all across the county, investigators say they were caught giving cash payouts for video poker and explains where things stand now. 
The busts came as the result of a six month undercover investigation by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie says: “We actually went into the store – played machines, if there was any winnings we cashed out to see if they would cash out the way by law they’re supposed to.â€
They checked every store in the county that has the video gaming machines. The seven busted on Thursday were the ones they say broke the law.
The money seized includes store proceeds as well because once the gaming money enters the register it’s considered co-mingled funds and all is eligible for seizure. Authorities could seize the stores themselves if the owners are convicted and break the law again. The sheriff says more arrests are expected.
