Gambling machines seized at two Asheville convenience stores … – WLOS

After receiving complaints, Buncombe County Sheriff's Office investigators have seized multiple gaming machines and thousands of dollars from two Asheville-area convenience stores. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)

After receiving complaints, Buncombe County Sheriff's Office investigators have seized multiple gaming machines and thousands of dollars from two Asheville-area convenience stores.

Warrants showed that the Quick Stop at 1430 Merrimon Avenue had machines in the front of the store, where a photo showed several men playing the machines.

The other store was inside a Shell gas station at 2251 Hendersonville Road.

According to warrants, in both cases investigators played the machines, and then cashed winning tickets.

According to details in the warrants, because the clerks in each store delivered cash payouts, the machines were operating illegally in the state, and were seized.

No one from either store would speak to News 13.

Charlie Gentry said he frequently goes to the Quick Stop just north of Beaver Lake.

I go straight to the counter to buy my lottery tickets, said Gentry, who added he has never played, much less noticed, the gaming machines. It doesnt please me at all.

Gentry said he will consider not returning to the store because of the illegal gaming that was allegedly taking place inside.

Kurt Potter said he regularly goes to the station on Hendersonville.

The machines there are operated by a manager of a restaurant inside the station.

Potter said he wonders about North Carolinas laws.

For 20 years Ive been in this area and (the laws) come and go, Potter said. I think they should make a decision and stick to it, because they're wasting time taking care of it and then bringing it back.

Potter was referencing the fact that the machines had been returned to the store, but were not operating.

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Gambling machines seized at two Asheville convenience stores ... - WLOS