JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM Sgt. John Kauwenaole discussed the plan of action prior to seizing several gambling machines from the arcade at 99 Ranch Market at 1151 Mapunapuna St. last night.

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Gambling devices
seized at market

Kalihi police seized five gambling devices -- four video poker machines and a pinball machine -- from the arcade at 99 Ranch Market at 1151 Mapunapuna St. last night.

"This is the most open one we've seen," said Sgt. John Kauwenaole of the Kalihi Police Station. "Most are in warehouses or apartments and at business establishments closed for the night."

Officers arrested a female cashier on suspicion of three counts of gambling and three counts of possession of gambling devices.

Police were trying to contact the owner of the business, who faces arrest on similar violations.

"There were patrons in the establishment (who were playing the machines), but we let them go," Kauwenaole said.

"The average payoff can be anywhere from $60 to $100," Kauwenaole said.

Police observed people playing the illegal gambling devices, but no violations were witnessed since there were no payoffs, Kauwenaole said.

However, an undercover officer played a poker machine yesterday and got paid off, resulting in a violation.

The officer had been to the establishment before the bust and recognized the cashier from prior arrests at another gambling establishment in the Kalihi district.

Kalihi police have leads on underground gambling establishments, but lengthy investigations will be required before any arrests can be made.