The Spuds Convenience Store was recently in the news for having illegal slot machines on the premises. On July 26^th, the State Police raided the store under suspicion of illegal gambling, and seized all the lottery terminals, Keno and other lottery products from the store. They found three illegally rigged video slot machines from a house located next to the establishment, and seized the machines. 

The State Lottery Commission has now ruled that Spuds may no longer participate in any lottery type business. Lottery Executive Director Joseph C. Sullivan sent the owner, Joan Daigle, a letter stating, "It is my intention to revoke your license as a sales agent" for both Spud's and the Sandcastle.

As lottery officials have the moral obligation not to engage in illegal activities, the Lottery Commission has the right to revoke her license. She has 20 days to appeal the ruling. 

There is no doubt, however, that the slot machines were part of the operation, police set up a sting operation where they had an undercover informant, they watched the premises, and use court-approved wiretaps. The slot machines were definitely part of the store, even though they were located next door. Police have one of the employees at the store on tape admitting that he moved the machines next door to avoid detection.

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