GREENSBORO, N.C. – Authorities are intensifying efforts to shut down businesses operating “fish games,” which are large-scale, table-mounted video games that pay cash rewards to players. This crackdown follows a series of violent crimes linked to these establishments.
Greensboro Police are personally delivering letters to 37 businesses known to house such machines, giving them 30 days to cease operations. According to North Carolina law, any machine that pays out cash rewards, regardless of whether the game requires skill or dexterity, is considered illegal.
Isaah Florence, a cashier at one of these businesses, describes the game as similar to sweepstakes. “It’s a game where you put your money in, whatever you want to put in,” Florence explains. He warns potential players about its addictive nature.“There are different types of tables you get to play on … and then you shoot at the fish. Whether it’s the big fish or little fish, if they blow up, however much the value was, you get that as ammo and you keep shooting, or you can cash out,” he elaborates.
Florence, who has been working at the business for about a month, disagrees with the notion that the game is illegal. “It’s a fun and innocent game. It just involves money in it – and law enforcement doesn’t like anything that involves cash money,” he said.
Despite Florence’s perspective, authorities maintain that the connection between these games and violent crime is concerning. “Greensboro’s seen a pattern of violent crime that’s been associated with these businesses,” stated Guilford County Sheriff’s Attorney Rick Stevens.
The crackdown is not limited to Greensboro. High Point Police and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office will also be monitoring for any attempts to relocate these operations outside city limits. “If any vendor out there thinks they’re going to be closed down by GPD and move their game out into Guilford County, the answer is – that’s the wrong answer, because we will shut you down immediately, and we won’t give you 30 days written notice to comply,” said Sheriff’s Attorney Jim Secor.
Officials emphasize that operating these machines is illegal, regardless of the skill involved. The focus is on the monetary aspect rather than entertainment. “The game, if you will, of the vendors and the manufacturers of this software is to constantly change the software, tweak it slightly in an effort to beat the statute,” explained Secor.
Stevens clarified the legal threshold, stating, “Walking in with a certain amount of money and leaving with many times more than that is going to be the hallmark of what constitutes an illegal gaming operation in North Carolina versus one that’s lawful.”
GPD is offering owners 30 days to voluntarily comply, acknowledging that many might be unaware of the games’ illegal status. Police Chief Wayne Scott noted that most owners are not criminal by nature and have pursued proper licensing channels. This grace period aims to provide an opportunity for compliance without immediate penalties.
As the crackdown continues, law enforcement remains vigilant, ensuring that any efforts to bypass the law are swiftly addressed to maintain public safety and legal compliance.
