ICYMI: Colonial Heights Police Crack Down on Illegal Neighborhood Slot Machines

In case you missed it, Colonial Heights Police and the Virginia State Police took decisive action on Friday to protect public safety, raiding three shops suspected of operating illegal gambling machines and seizing narcotics from two of the locations.

All three shops were found to be running illegal neighborhood slot machines.

Colonial Heights’ Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Noelle Nochisaki said her office had received complaints about the businesses that were raided:

“If any citizen or business owners see illegal activity or something that is concerning to them, they should contact the police department so they can act upon it, if necessary,” said Nochisaki.

Wherever these illegal machines pop up, crime tends to follow. These aren’t harmless games. They’re magnets for criminal behavior, and they don’t belong in Virginia’s neighborhoods.

That’s why this enforcement operation matters. It sends a clear and welcome signal: Virginia is serious about cracking down on illegal gambling and the problems that come with it.

We applaud the Colonial Heights Police Department, Virginia State Police, and the Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for their strong coordination and leadership. Their actions reflect the kind of proactive, community-first approach that Virginians deserve.

This is a win for public safety, and we encourage continued enforcement across the Commonwealth. Illegal gambling machines have no place in our local businesses and it’s clear that when law enforcement acts, our communities are safer for it.