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A chain of game rooms has shut down operations at all nine of its Oahu locations following a cease-and-desist letter that went out Monday to several Oahu game room owners from the city prosecutor’s office.
“Winner’z Zone is stunned by the delivery of a cease-and-desist order pertaining to our games,” according to a statement issued by the company’s spokes-woman, Ruth Limtiaco of TLC PR. “Winner’z Zone business model is to operate within the law, and we are currently seeking advisement from our legal counsel regarding the games listed in the cease-and-desist order.”
The letter was issued to all arcade owners operating machines on a list of alleged gambling devices, warning they face prosecution if they fail to get rid of the devices.
The prosecutor’s letter says the machines allow players to risk money on games of chance with the opportunity to win cash rewards, which constitutes gambling. Anyone promoting or facilitating this activity may be subject to felony gambling, money laundering and organized-crime charges.
“We do not operate any games of chance in our establishments,” Winner’z Zone said.
