Mike Baker of The Associated Press writes, in the Myrtle Beach Sun News that James Otis Henderson, 42, an accused ringleader in an illegal gambling operation, told an undercover agent that at least two county sheriffs in western North Carolina took bribes in return for providing protection for houses where her located his video poker machines. Henderson claims that Rutherford County Sheriff Jack Conner was working with federal authorities in December 2006 when he agreed to take $10,000 from Henderson in exchange for protection services. In addition, Henderson says he agreed to pay Conner an additional $1,000 per month.

Read the full story.

WISTV.com reports that:

ASHEVILLE, NC (AP) - A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted 21 people in connection with a video poker investigation authorities say was headed by two brothers from South Carolina.

Federal authorities say the group ran video poker machines in 15 western North Carolina counties.

To read the full story.

by: Susan Schrock: Star-Telegram Staff Writer

ARLINGTON -- Luck could be running out for businesses illegally operating video gambling machines in Arlington.

The city has begun investigating 50 businesses that are believed to have video poker machines and the casino-style slot machines known as eight- liners, which are not permitted in the city.

Read the full story