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Police Break up Alleged Illegal Bingo Operation
The doors are shut on a so-called social club in Clearfield. Police raided the 49er Club on Thursday, charging the owner with gambling.
While officers raided the club, the owner stayed in the back room, out of sight. Police asked her help sort through computers, receipts and cash. Police say the owner and her husband were very cooperative with investigators, claiming they wanted to get out of the business.
According to police, it was a brisk business, bringing in a steady crowd, and as much as 50,000 dollars a month. The bingo operation attracted clientele from all ages. People would pay at the door, for a night of food and games. In reality, police say clients were playing for the bingo and cards and a very small amount for a very small meal, but most of the money brought in went towards some considerable jackpots.
Undercover officers have been coming into the club for a year and a half. They say the club paid out individual prizes of more than one thousand dollars.
For now, the bingo signs are now coming down, and the business is closed.
But police are looking at the possibility that several other bingo halls are presently in operation in the Salt Lake Valley.
Police say they were tipped off by several anonymous calls by people upset after loosing money. The owner will now face misdemeanor charges.
March 20 2006
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