Local

Judge rules Hickory-area gaming halls to reopen as police continue to fight back

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Within minutes of a judge’s ruling, many of the video gaming halls in the Hickory area reopened.

However, the battle in court could just be getting started between police and the business owners.

On Thursday, Hickory and Conover police chiefs were in court with their attorneys, with much of the hearing focused on a letter that was sent to more than two dozen businesses in the area over the gaming machines customers play to win money.

[Sweepstakes parlors popping up years after state passed a law to prohibit them]

The two law enforcement agencies warned the businesses that there may be arrests if they didn't pull the plugs on their video slot machines.

"We've had a lot of complaints from our citizens about concerns of illegal activity and so we feel it's important to investigate it,” said Hickory Police Chief Thurman Whisnant.

Customers said the police crackdown goes too far and that the businesses should be left alone.

"I think the police are bored and they want something to bicker about because quota is coming up,” customer Amber Good said

Other nearby businesses nearby say the gaming businesses attract crime.

There have been a half-dozen armed robberies in Catawba County this year, including two at a gaming hall in Conover.

Michael Gay, owner of a mattress store next door to a gaming hall, said he is closing his business because the robberies drive away customers.

"Customers will come in and drive by,” Gay said. “They'll see the people hanging out in front of the stores and then continue to drive.  They don't stop and shop in the shopping center."

The attorney for seven of the gaming businesses in Catawba County argued the games require skill and under the law are legal in North Carolina.

Closing the businesses will cause more than 100 people to lose their jobs.

"When we got the letter, there was a true belief that these innocent people were going to be arrested,” attorney Jonathan Trapp said. “Their property was going to be seized and their lives were going to be put in jeopardy."

The temporary restraining order is in effect for the next 10 days before another hearing where the city could have experts testify the games are not legal here in North Carolina.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: