Aces Debate in Texas

12/30/2008		Aces Debate in Texas
Home History Games News Dictionary		A case that first developed in Texas in May of 2008 is ongoing, with new developments this week questioning whether the illegal gambling charges have anything to stick to at all. The town of Corpus Christi saw the seizure of 90 “gambling machines” as well as around $175,000 in cash from an Amusement Center in addition to the arrest of 14 executive employees of the Aces Wired Incorporated company, based out of Dallas. This week’s formal indictment of the accused by the Texas Attorney General’s office has spawned a debate as whether or not the case as any merit at all. The Associated Press reported on a statement made by Kenneth Griffith, both one of the 14 arrested and the CEO for Aces Wired, that said he honestly believes the whole case will blow over, with charges dropped for all involved. According to Griffith, a misunderstanding by the State in how the Amusement Center worked the 8-liner machines is the cause and once resolved, will result in quick resolution of the issue. "The state's investigation fails to understand that our electronic game – Amusement With Prizes (AWP) – technology fully complies with state law by rewarding players with prize points (representations of value) that can only be redeemed for noncash merchandise prizes," Griffith said. All of the allegations revolve around the statutes as they apply in Texas for illegal gambling; if the defense is able to prove that the gaming machines do not meet the State’s definition for ‘gambling,’ the prosecution’s case would fall apart. Other charges are worded as ‘tampering with evidence’ and ‘engaging in organized criminal activity.’ The arrests have had the effect of Aces Wired locations and offices being shut down indeterminately in the following Texas cities: San Antonio, Copperas Cove, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and Dallas. If Griffith’s hopes prove accurate, the criminal case could be resolved quickly, while leading to further development of a civil litigation lawsuit.

12/30/2008

Aces Debate in Texas

A case that first developed in Texas in May of 2008 is ongoing, with new developments this week questioning whether the illegal gambling charges have anything to stick to at all. The town of Corpus Christi saw the seizure of 90 “gambling machines” as well as around $175,000 in cash from an Amusement Center in addition to the arrest of 14 executive employees of the Aces Wired Incorporated company, based out of Dallas. This week’s formal indictment of the accused by the Texas Attorney General’s office has spawned a debate as whether or not the case as any merit at all.

The Associated Press reported on a statement made by Kenneth Griffith, both one of the 14 arrested and the CEO for Aces Wired, that said he honestly believes the whole case will blow over, with charges dropped for all involved. According to Griffith, a misunderstanding by the State in how the Amusement Center worked the 8-liner machines is the cause and once resolved, will result in quick resolution of the issue.

"The state's investigation fails to understand that our electronic game – Amusement With Prizes (AWP) – technology fully complies with state law by rewarding players with prize points (representations of value) that can only be redeemed for noncash merchandise prizes," Griffith said.

All of the allegations revolve around the statutes as they apply in Texas for illegal gambling; if the defense is able to prove that the gaming machines do not meet the State’s definition for ‘gambling,’ the prosecution’s case would fall apart. Other charges are worded as ‘tampering with evidence’ and ‘engaging in organized criminal activity.’ The arrests have had the effect of Aces Wired locations and offices being shut down indeterminately in the following Texas cities: San Antonio, Copperas Cove, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and Dallas. If Griffith’s hopes prove accurate, the criminal case could be resolved quickly, while leading to further development of a civil litigation lawsuit.