CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The City of Chesapeake is cracking down on two e-cigarette stores that are accused of illegal gambling.
The city says River Vapes on Indian River Road and Bid Rite Vapes and More on George Washington Highway are operating a computer-based gaming business without a license after electronic gaming machines were allegedly found inside the businesses.
The stores sell vaping products, but behind the merchandise are a line of computers where people can play computer games that are similar to that of a slot machine.
Last week, both locations were ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and remove the games from the stores by noon Monday.
Gamer Quacey Collins says many people enjoy the games.
“You go up to the cashier’s stand and you give them your money. At that point, the cashier gives you a ticket. You go up to a machine and type in your pin code, and once you type in your pin code the games come alive,” said Quacey.
Quacey said the games are similar to slot machines.
“I choose whichever game I think is hot, you never know. It’s just the luck of the Irish,” said Quacey.
River Vapes tells 13News Now they plan on putting in an appeal with the city. The owners of Bid Rite Vapes and More had no comment.