Security guard shot during robbery of Raleigh sweepstakes parlor
RALEIGH, N.C. Dec 15 2021— Raleigh Police are looking for four men who robbed a sweepstakes parlor early Tuesday morning at gunpoint, shooting a security guard who had non-life threatening injuries.
The robbery and shooting occurred Tuesday after 12:30 a.m. at Good Times Sweeps at 5540 Atlantic Springs Road.
It was not clear how much money was taken, but crime scene markers were placed on cash left in the parking lot, which was entirely taped off.
Investigators were checking security footage as they searched for suspects but did not have a description of the shooters to share with the public.
Sweepstake parlors are basically 24/7 businesses. The windows are covered, you can’t see in or out. People have to be personally let in after ringing a video doorbell.
But even with this amount of security, crimes can and still do happen.
“I didn’t know that existed actually, I didn’t know what a sweepstakes parlor was,” said Johnathan Castro, a customer.
A sweepstakes parlor is where people play video games that are supposed to be based on skill, not chance, for monetary prizes. A lot of cash changes hands.
“It’s nothing surprising honestly, especially when money comes,” said Castro.
After years of outlawing sweepstakes machines in NC, lawmakers seek to regulate, tax video gambling machines.
For years, the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association has lobbied state legislators to outlaw the businesses because they say they attract crime.
“A lot of illegal gambling, money laundering, prostitution, robberies,” said Eddie Caldwell, Executive VP and general counsel for the NC Sheriff’s Association. “The sheriffs are in favor of outlawing the machines completely.”
House Bill 954 that would give the state the ability to regulate these businesses did not pass in the most recent session of the General Assembly.
Good Times Sweeps shares the shopping center with 2 other sweepstakes parlors. Since 2018 there have been 2 murders and 18 assaults in the area.
