LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Charitable gaming operators across Kentucky are breathing a sigh of relief after a judge's ruling allowed gaming operations to restart — just days after the state ordered certain machines to shut down.
The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission had ordered a temporary stop on specific electronic pull-tab machines following reports that thieves were using a laminated $100 bill and fishing line to trick the bill acceptors.
Pictured: a laminated $100 bill used with fishing line to cheat bill acceptors in gaming machines at charitable organizations in Louisville. (WDRB image)
Robert Holmes, with Seneca Past and Present Charity Inc., said his organization was among those affected.
"We actually did have a couple of incidents. We reported them to the police," Holmes told WDRB.
Holmes said their charity contributes to Seneca High School, Hope Village, and Dare to Care, and that the order to shut down the machines was based on a misunderstanding.
"It has nothing to do with the game," Shirley's Way Inc. founder Mike Mulrooney explained. "It’s the bill collector on the front of the game that was purchased by a third party — and that’s been fixed."
The manufacturer of the machines, a company called Grover, has since updated the software.
"Pretty much every part in these games has a chip in it," Mulrooney said. "Grover used that chip to fix the problem."
There are hundreds of charitable gaming machines operating statewide. The money raised helps fund local programs — from accessibility projects to educational services.
"We’ve used the money to help put accessible ramps around our building so people with disabilities can get in with dignity," Dana Slucher, CEO of Southwest Center said.
"It’s stabilized our funding," said Bryan Warren, executive director of Educational Justice. "We can pay our staff livable wages, offer benefits, and ensure we have the resources to deliver tutoring services in our community."
The temporary shutdown brought together several charities that depend on the revenue from these machines. Many called the state’s actions "an overreach" that left them little time or opportunity to respond.
Jefferson Circuit Judge Annie O'Connell's order directs the plaintiffs and KHRG to appear in court Dec. 8 "to discuss a briefing and hearing schedule." The injunction will remain in effect until a judge issues a ruling on the plaintiffs' complaint.
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