2 gaming companies shut down after police suspected unlawful playing

MENTOR-ON-THE-LAKE, Ohio — Mentor-on-the-Lake Police and the Ohio Casino Control Commission executed search warrants late final month at two Mentor-on-the-Lake companies, Gamers Hub and The Zone.

Police stated they disabled roughly 80 machines and seized money.

“Doors have been locked and lights off,” stated Chief John Forsythe, Mentor-on-the-Lake Police Department.

Bart Loos had visited the companies earlier than and was stunned to be taught that they had been shut down.

“When I visited, I would win money, I would lose some money, but everybody seemed to have a good time,” Loos stated.

Authorities say the companies marketed themselves as amusement facilities or web cafes providing video games of talent, akin to these discovered at carnivals or amusement parks, the place prizes can not whole greater than $10. But officers say that’s not what was occurring inside.

Instead, in response to police, the Ohio Casino Control Commission developed ample proof indicating the alleged fee of prison offenses, together with Operation of an Illegal Casino and Operating a Gambling House.

“No one was arrested the day we executed search warrants, but criminal charges are pending,” stated Forsythe.

This is the second time in two years that Mentor-on-the-Lake police have executed search warrants at native gaming companies.

And in 2021, a News 5 investigative producer went inside a few of these kinds of institutions throughout the realm, together with Mentor-on-the-Lake. We discovered rows of individuals enjoying video games on pc terminals that appeared like slot machines at a on line casino.

Now, Mentor-on-the-Lake shouldn’t be taking any possibilities.

“We’re working with metropolis council and the regulation director to be sure that they cannot open most of these companies anymore,” Forsythe said.

Other options under discussion include nuisance abatement and changes to local ordinances.