VIRGINIA BEACH — Virginia Beach police are investigating two now-closed businesses that may have been used as fronts for an illegal gambling ring.
On June 22, the Virginia Beach Police Department executed search warrants on two businesses: Vapor Connect and Retail Express. The searches came after a five-month investigation into the businesses to determine if they were operating as gambling facilities.
Gambling is illegal in Virginia, and is defined as “the making, placing or receipt of any bet or wager … of money or other thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize … dependent upon the result of any game, contest of any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or is a matter of chance…”
Both shops were located off of Holland Road, about a mile-and-a-half away from each other. Vapor Connect was located in the Chimney Hill Shopping Center and Retail Express was located in the Timberlake Shopping Center.
Both businesses were vacant when a Southside Daily reporter visited on Wednesday.
“It was pretty obvious it was a gambling thing,” Bob Preston said. His store, B&B Cards and Collectibles, is located a few doors down from where Retail Express once operated.
Preston added that the business had its windows “blacked out” and that the operators closed down almost immediately after police searched it.
The VBPD’s investigation into both businesses began in February with undercover officers going into the establishments and paying to place wagers on “casino-type” slot machines and card games on computers, according to recently unsealed search warrants filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
When the detectives won a game they were allowed to buy more chances to play or cash out and claim their money, court documents state.
During these visits, the detectives used fake drivers licenses to set up “accounts” to play the games. The games used language like “bet,” “wager” and “spin” to direct customers on how to play. The detectives also observed other people in the businesses playing the games and cashing out with employees, according to court documents.
Detectives also reported that each business had between 50 and 60 desktop computers at the locations. When a Southside Daily reporter visited they counted at least 30 visible power outlets lining the wall at Retail Express’ former location and 40 visible power outlets at Vapor Connect.
On March 25, an employee told an undercover police officer visiting Vapor Connect that “gambling is illegal in Virginia, but you pay for vaping juices, oils or equipment, and you can play the games for free.” At that time, the detective paid $20 to play and won $15 via the games, court documents state.
During the searches, police took computer equipment, paperwork, money, a cellphone, a fax machine, security equipment and a USB flash drive from the locations.
No one has been arrested in connection with these investigations, which are still active, according to the VBPD.
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