Police Say Copy Business Was Front For Illegal Computer Gambling Racket

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A gambling site operating out of what looked to be a copy business was raided Thursday morning in south Sacramento, disappointing several customers who came by looking to try their luck.

Jackpots were handed out around the clock at Copy Planet, a front for what police are calling an illegal casino with Las Vegas-style games.

Police started investigating the business at 24th and Florin Road in August after neighboring businesses complained about people hanging around all night, even urinating on the walls because the business didn't have a bathroom.

Sacrament Police detectives and state Department of Justice agents raided the business Thursday morning, seizing more than 30 computers and nearly $17,000 in cash.

Customers hoping to try their luck Thursday were disappointed to see the operation had been shut down.

"I be up in there, but if I knew it was illegal I wouldn't be up in there," Jim Gardner said outside the business. "I sure don't want to go to jail."

Police suspect the same owner runs a handful of these businesses around town and they say they are investigating those as well.

Some patrons admit they knew it was against the law but winning made it worth it.

"Yes, it was illegal. I mean who cares? They don't do anything about everything else that's illegal around here," said Florentina Bruno, who played there daily and bragged about her biggest jackpot.

"For the 800 bucks, I spent 10 cents. Can you believe it? Off a dime."

Police say all the games were played on computers, and jackpots were paid out at a cashier's window.

"What a person would do is go inside, load up a card, like a credit card, pay cash for it, then gamble," Sacramento Police Sgt. Andre Pettit said.

Police started investigating several months ago after neighboring businesses complained.

"Some of the people are actually using the corners to you know, urine, urinate on the walls, because they can't get in here," said Steve Coon, who manages the Alpine Bowling Alley.

Copy Planet's store manager was handcuffed and then released. He defended the business.

"We're not doing anything that's illegal," he said. "Sweepstakes just like they do at McDonald's … with the Monopoly game."

The case has been forwarded to the district attorney's office. No arrests have been made.