Illegal Slot Machines

According to federal agents, a man by the name of John Zorzit was running an illegal slot machine ring for about three years, between the years of 2003 and 2006. They allege that Zorzit ran these illegal slot machine locations with the help of area taverns, inns, restaurants, etc. that offered the machines to their patrons.

Allegedly he was running about three dozen illegal slot machine locations, and had several bank accounts that he deposited the money into. They have brought suit against the entity known as Nick’s Amusements, and are seeking to seize 17 Maryland properties and 14 bank accounts in conjunction with the illegal slot machines.

Prosecutors say that it was an $18 million operation, and that he ran the illegal video slot machines knowingly breaking the law. The patrons were able to collect winnings in reference to the slot machines which make them illegal under Maryland law. They are seeking to take Zorzit’s home which is worth roughly $1 million, as well as his offices which are worth more than three quarters of a million as well.

The complaint is a civil action therefore Zorzit has not been charged with a criminal offense, but they are continuing an investigation against him. If there is a determination of illegal slot machine gambling, then the property can be legally seized under law. The federal government can take the property and they don’t even have to prove that he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors say that this is how most illegal gambling cases are handled.

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