Holyoke is having its fair share of problems these days with illegal slot machines. The State Police have recently raided the area and seized 38 illegal machines that were rigged with dual electronic meters that allowed for payouts to gambling patrons. The Lottery Commission gave one-month suspensions to 11 of the establishments located in Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee. One of the main concerns is the amount of revenue that can be generated by these illegal slot machines. It has been estimated at $10,000 a week. 

The police want a statewide ban by the License Commission that would not allow any video poker machines or video slot machines in bars, as usually the reason it is in the bar is to promote gambling. If not statewide, than at least in Hampden County, as the best way to stop gambling, and the temptation of the illegal slot machines, is to make sure that they cannot be where people are drinking. The influence of alcohol only adds to the problem. 

Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett sent a letter to Mayor Sullivan requesting the slot machines be made illegal. The letter stated, in part, that “numerous investigations throughout Hampden County and the commonwealth have discovered that the illegal use of video poker machines to promote gambling is widespread.”

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