This week in the state of Texas, twenty two people were indicted on illegal gambling charges. The group was connected to Aces Wired gaming centers where illegal gambling operations are suspected to have taken place.

Employees of Aces Wired as well as officers of the Company were charged with felony indictments this past Tuesday. The charges to the accused ranged from tampering with evidence to engaging in organized crime.

Back in May, authorities raided Aces Wired gaming rooms across Texas which included three in Fort Worth, where these charges were filed. Officials with Aces Wired state that their 8 liner machines comply with state gaming laws. The Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Griffin, and president of Aces Wired Board, Gordon Graves, were indicted.

The attorney for the Company, Paul Coggins, released a statement claiming the charges against the people were unfounded. “The Company studied applicable state and federal law, Attorney General Opinions, appellate court decisions, and complaints of law enforcement—all to stay within the law. This is a publicly traded company governed by law abiding business leaders.”

Officials of Aces Wired state the machines are legal as they do not give back cash or gift certificates, which is illegal in the state of Texas. The machines reward players with points that are placed on cards that can be redeemed at specific retailers by using a debit card.


- 2008-11-21