Hawaii seizes gambling machines, arrests one in illegal gambling operation

• The Honolulu Police Department conducted an operation against suspected illegal gambling at an address in Ewa Beach
• On site, officers uncovered and seized 18 gambling machines and thousands in cash
• A 46-year-old suspect was arrested and is currently facing gambling-related charges

An illegal gambling bust in Hawaii resulted in the arrest of one person and the confiscation of nearly two dozen gambling devices.

Along with the seized gaming machines, police confiscated cash, while the suspect is facing gambling-related charges.

$5K in cash, along with 18 gambling devices seized

On Thursday, the law enforcement agency of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), uncovered details regarding a police operation in Ewa Beach.

HPD, accompanied by officers from the Narcotics Vice Division, the District 8 Crime Reduction Unit and the Specialized Services Division, executed a search warrant on Wednesday.

The prime target of the police operation was an illegal gambling room located on Old Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach.

Arriving at approximately 5 PM, officers entered the suspected illegal gambling venue.

On site, police uncovered and seized $5,000 in cash as well as a total of 18 gambling machines.

One suspect, a 46-year-old man, was arrested during the illegal gambling raid.

The HPD did not confirm how long the illegal gambling establishment had been operating before it was taken down.

It is also unclear whether law enforcement acted on a tip about illegal gambling or if they engaged in an investigative action prior to the operation.

The 46-year-old man who was arrested is currently facing charges for Possession of a Gambling Device and Promotion of Gambling in the Second Degree.

Individuals who manufacture, sell, transport, place or possess gambling devices usually face Possession of a Gambling Device charges.

As a misdemeanor offense, such a crime can be punished for up to a year in jail and/or a monetary sanction for each illegal gambling device.

On the other hand, a person who "knowingly advances or profits from gambling activity" is committing an offense recognized as Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree.

Similar to the other charge, Promoting Gambling in the Second degree is a misdemeanor offense that may be punished by up to one year in jail and hefty fines.

In the case of aggravating circumstances, Promoting Gambling can also be classified as a Class C Felony, with penalties of up to five years in prison and significant fines.

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