MADISON – The Madison Police Department shut down an alleged illegal gaming operation in Madison on Friday morning. MPD Police Chief Dave Jernigan said police officers, along with members of the Strategic Counterdrug Task Force (STAC), executed a search warrant at 9076 Madison Boulevard, Suite J & K, known as Wild Bill’s Entertainment and Arcade.

“Probable cause for the search warrant was obtained from several complaints of an illegal gaming operation originally reported to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and forwarded to the Madison Police Department approximately one month ago,” Chief Jernigan said. “Madison Police have been involved in building a case culminating in a raid and seizure of electronic gaming machines, cash and gambling records.”

Police arrested William Hines, age 52 of Madison, for promotion of gambling. He was released on a secure bond after his arrest.

Chief Jernigan said approximately 128 machines, money, receipts and records were seized pursuant to the search warrant. Several workers present during the execution of the warrant were temporarily detained, identified and released.

‘The gambling operation was well organized with electronic machines resembling a casino,” Chief Jernigan explained. “Patrons would exchange money for a gaming card which would allow them internet time credits to use the machines and later to cash-out as a winner at a payout window.”

 Promotion of gambling is unlawful in Alabama and is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

“This type of illegal criminal enterprise will not be tolerated in Madison,” added Chief Jernigan. “Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime. This type of illegal enterprise promotes tax evasion, human trafficking, money laundering, falsification of records, fraud, theft and drug crimes. The investigation is continuing and more arrests are anticipated at a later date.”