Major Illegal Gambling Operation Busted in Pennsylvania

An extensive operation in western Pennsylvania has resulted in the seizure of over 400 illegal gambling devices from numerous businesses, effectively dismantling a significant criminal gambling network. The operation, announced on May 13, 2025, by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, led to charges being filed against two companies involved in the illegal network: Buffalo Skill Games, Inc. and J.J. Amusement, Inc. Both businesses are owned by John F. Conley, who is no stranger to legal troubles, having previous federal convictions for illegal gambling.

The Scope of the Operation and Devices Seized

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers confiscated illegal gaming machines from a wide range of locations, including bars, gas stations, and convenience stores across a large swath of western slot machines in disguise. Attorney General Dave Sunday praised the successful dismantling of the operation, noting the significant profits that had likely been generated through illegal means.

“These devices were essentially slot machines dressed up as skill games,” said Attorney General Sunday. He expressed gratitude to the Pennsylvania State Police for their crucial role in executing the raids, which resulted in a significant blow to the operation. “I commend our partners at the Pennsylvania State Police for helping disband a large-scale operation that netted a tremendous amount of illegal gambling profits,” Sunday added.

The Role of Pennsylvania State Police

The Pennsylvania State Police collaborated closely with the Attorney General’s Gaming Enforcement agents to carry out a series of seizures in March. The crackdown spanned multiple counties in the state, including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Indiana, Somerset, Venango, Erie, Washington, Armstrong, and Westmoreland. This widespread effort highlighted the magnitude of the illegal operation and the diverse locations in which these gambling devices were operating.

Charges Filed Against the Alleged Operators

In the wake of the operation, felony charges related to corrupt organizations were filed against the two implicated companies, Buffalo Skill Games, Inc. and J.J. Amusement, Inc. The charges underscore the seriousness of the illegal activities, which operated at a scale far beyond individual violations. John F. Conley, the owner and operator of both companies, faces legal consequences for his role in orchestrating the illicit network. The prosecution is being led by the Gaming Enforcement Section of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Unanswered Questions and Further Investigation

Although the authorities have provided an update on the seizure of devices and the charges against the companies, some details remain unclear. Notably, the exact financial impact of the illegal gambling network has not been disclosed. Investigators are likely continuing to probe the extent of the operation and any other parties that may have been involved. The seizure of the devices marks a significant victory in Pennsylvania’s ongoing battle against illegal gambling activities, but it is evident that this case may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Source:

Illegal gaming network shut down after over 400 devices seized from western Pennsylvania establishments, cbsnews.com, May 13, 2025.