VALDOSTA – Search warrants have been served to seven businesses and one residence in Lowndes County in relation to violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.

Warrants were executed by the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Valdosta Police Department, Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Georgia Department of Revenue.

According to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, agents collected evidence related to crimes of commercial gambling and seized monetary assets gained from the illegal use of gaming machines.

While all the locations are licensed to operate coin operated amusement machines, agents said they discovered customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits. In Georgia, credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise, according to the GBI. 

Search warrants were executed for the following businesses:

-Warraich 7826, LLC (7-11 Grocery), 1407 W. Hill Ave., Suite C., Valdosta

-Leah 229, 2904 N. Patterson St., Suite I, Valdosta

-Lee Minit Mart #2, 1306 N. Ashley St., Valdosta

-Lee Minit Mart #1, 505 E. Ann St., Valdosta

-Citgo Station, 1836 W. Hill Ave., Valdosta

-One Dollar Family, 1913 N. Ashley St., Valdosta

-Exclusive Production, 1412 E. Park Ave., Suite D, Valdosta

Multiple arrests are pending, authorities said. 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.