Hoke County deputies raided two Raeford businesses on Monday afternoon and seized dozens of illegal gaming machines.
Sheriff Hubert Peterkin stated that he had received numerous complaints from residents about Club Pond Skill Internet Cafe, located at 3010 Club Pond Road, and Triple S Bingo, at 2130 U.S. Highway 401 Business. He mentioned that both establishments had been sites of robberies and gunfire.
“This has been going on too long,” Peterkin said. “Over my years here as the sheriff, this stuff is banned one minute, the next minute, they find some kind of way, and they open back up. They tie our hands – we can’t do it – but today our hands are not tied.”
At least 100 computers set up for gambling were found at Club Pond, while more than 60 were discovered at Triple S Bingo. Two individuals were taken into custody at Triple S Bingo, but the sheriff stated that none of the dozens of patrons present during the raids would face charges.
Some patrons at Club Pond were stunned when SWAT team members entered through the front door.
“We were told it was legal, only illegal in Cumberland County,” said Vistula Hyman.
One man, who identified himself only as Franklin, expressed his frustration, noting that he had $400 on the table when the raid occurred.
“You never know what the big pot is,” Franklin said.
Peterkin emphasized his intent to send a clear message to others operating illegal gaming businesses in Hoke County.
“This is a nice warning,” he said. “I’m asking anyone in this county who is operating illegal gaming to shut it down.”
