A late-night armed robbery at a Portsmouth gambling parlor has drawn renewed attention to the growing problem of illegal casinos operating across southern Ohio — several of which are now under investigation by state and local authorities.
🚨 Masked Gunmen Hit “Three Aces”
Just before 11 p.m. on Sunday, Portsmouth Police responded to reports of an armed robbery at the “Three Aces” gaming business.
Witnesses told officers that two masked men wearing black and armed with handguns stormed the building through the front door and fled out the back after the holdup.
- Multiple police units responded to the scene.
- Officers obtained video surveillance footage and collected evidence.
- No immediate word on injuries or arrests.
Detectives say the robbery occurred at one of several unlicensed gambling spots that have recently caught the attention of law enforcement.
🕵️ A Year-Long Investigation
Just two days after the robbery, the Southern Ohio Organized & Major Crimes Task Force announced major progress in a year-long investigation into illegal gambling operations in the region.
The probe has focused on three locations:
- 🎲 Lucky Dog 7 in South Point
- ♠️ Three Kings in New Boston
- ♥️ Three Aces in Portsmouth
To date, investigators have seized:
- 💵 Over $200,000 in cash
- 🎰 More than 100 illegal slot-style gaming machines
The evidence has been presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury, with potential charges including Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity — Ohio’s version of a racketeering case.
💬 “A Case Built on Teamwork and Community Tips”
Task Force Director officials say the investigation began after citizens came forward with complaints about illegal gambling and related criminal activity.
“This case is a clear example of what can be accomplished when citizens speak up and law enforcement agencies work together,” the Task Force said in a statement.
The investigation has involved cooperation among:
- Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman
- Portsmouth Police Chief Debbie Brewer
- New Boston Police Chief Chris Dixon
- Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless
- Scioto County Prosecutor Shane Tieman
- The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC)
Special thanks were extended to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, whose tactical teams assisted in raids and evidence collection.
⚖️ Attorney General Praises the Crackdown
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, whose office oversees the Organized Crime Investigation Commission, praised the ongoing effort:
“Illegal operations can happen in plain sight,” Yost said. “But thanks to our skilled task force members, we were able to thwart the illegal activity and prevent further corruption in our communities.”
💡 The Bigger Picture: Hidden Casinos, Real Consequences
The Three Aces robbery underscores how illegal gambling dens often become magnets for violence, theft, and organized crime.
Police say unregulated gaming spots not only violate state law — they also invite dangerous situations like armed robberies and assaults.
Authorities are urging residents to report suspicious businesses offering slot-style machines, “cash payouts,” or 24-hour gaming operations.
“These illegal enterprises threaten the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods,” the Task Force said. “And they don’t just take your money — they put lives at risk.”
👉 The robbery investigation at Three Aces remains open, and detectives continue working to identify the two suspects. Meanwhile, the wider crackdown on illegal casinos is far from over — and officials say more indictments could be coming soon.