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November 1, 2008

Gambling machines confiscated at bowling center

By Patrick McCreless

staff writer

Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies shut down an alleged small gambling operation Thursday at the Cullman Bowling Center.

Sheriff Tyler Roden said investigators confiscated three video poker gambling machines that were in a side room at the bowling center. The owner of the center, Billy Anthony Sandlin, 66, was arrested and charged with possession of a gambling device.

Sandlin has since been released on bond.

Roden said investigators obtained warrants to search the bowling center after they received an anonymous tip about the machines several days ago.

“It has not been determined how long they’ve been there,” Roden said.

Roden said there was no money in the machines when they were found and that they are still in the sheriff office’s possession.

“The courts will help us determine what to do with them,” Roden said.

Roden noted Thursday was not the first time deputies had to look for gambling machines at the bowling center.

“We’ve had to remove similar devices before,” Roden said.

Roden said illegal gambling in Cullman County is not the problem it was a few years ago.

“A couple of years ago this particular issue was very prevalent,” he said. “The law wasn’t very clear on the actual violation. Now it’s very clear.”

According to the Alabama Code, possession of a gambling device is a Class A misdemeanor. Possible punishment ranges from a small fine to as much as one year imprisonment in the county jail or one year of hard labor for the county.



‰ Contact Patrick McCreless by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.

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