Indian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Operating $7M Illegal Gambling Operation in Missouri

(AsiaGameHub) –   Rahulkumar D. Patel, an Indian national living in Washington state, has admitted guilt for operating an unlawful gambling enterprise in Missouri that brought in more than $7 million.

Patel was indicted in Springfield, Missouri, last year alongside eight other Indian citizens. He confessed that he and his co-conspirators ran illegal gambling ventures disguised as internet amusement arcade games, skill game arcades, and adult arcades.

He admitted guilt to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry maximum prison sentences of 20, five, and 20 years, respectively.

Illegal Arcades’ Lucrative Operations

The group ran six arcades across Missouri:

• Big Win Arcade #1 at 1928 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
• Big Win Arcade #2 at 1135 E. Commercial St., Springfield
• Spin Hitters at 838-840 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
• Vegas Arcade at 615 S. Scenic, Springfield
• Spin Zone at 2331 E. 7^th St., Joplin
• Vegas City Arcade at 16585 Missouri Highway 13, Branson West.

Prosecutors state the illegal enterprise generated $7,696,085 in gross proceeds and then carried out various financial transactions to launder those funds.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri announced Patel’s guilty plea in a press release on Wednesday.

Gambling Crackdown Boosts Neighborhood Quality of Life

Missouri has been addressing illegal gambling within its borders. In February, a federal judge ruled that the “no-chance” slot machines found in gas stations, bars, and restaurants are illegal gambling devices under state law.

While skill-based games are legal in the state, games of chance are prohibited. The shutdown of the six locations operated by Patel’s group has improved local residents’ quality of life, according to Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson.

“These were businesses that were basically operating as casinos, and they were affecting the quality of life of their neighbors in those areas of our community,” Patterson stated. “I believe we have seen a change since this investigation took place.”

Missouri Lawmakers Disappointed With Legalized Gambling Outcomes

In addition to skill games, Missouri legalized sports betting late last year. However, initial results have not met expected revenue targets.

In the first two months after legalization in December, operators’ expenses exceeded their revenue. This year, the state has collected just $3.8 million in sports betting tax revenue—well below the monthly target of over $4 million.

“It doesn’t necessarily match the commercials that got this passed, does it?” said Sen. Rusty Black in response to the disappointing figures.