Gambling Machines Ordered Removed

Wagoner County says businesses have until the end of the year to remove illegal gaming machines from their establishments. <br/><br/>Authorities informed several restaurants, convenience stores, and bars

Wednesday, November 29th 2006, 10:27 am

By: News On 6

Wagoner County says businesses have until the end of the year to remove illegal gaming machines from their establishments.

Authorities informed several restaurants, convenience stores, and bars this week, that they must remove their electronic slot machines by December 31st. Wagoner Police say seven businesses in the city have gaming machines, and the FBI recently brought to their attention that those machines are illegal.

Local businesses though say the gaming is not hurting anyone, and it helps them pay the bills. Convenience store owner Sherry Rose: "It's not a lot, but it helps us pay the electric bill, it helps us pay the vendors on pop or candy or whatever."

Oklahoma state law says that any machine that "pays out" to customers is illegal.