Trenton Police Seize 70 Illegal Gambling Machines From 30 Businesses; Philadelphia Man Arrested

The Trenton Police Department, assisted by the New Jersey State Police Financial Crimes Unit, recently concluded an 11-month investigation into an illegal gambling operation spanning the capital city.

Law enforcement officials announced Monday (Oct. 5) that the operation resulted in the arrest of a Philadelphia man and the seizure of more than 70 illegal slot machines across at least 30 businesses and residences.

A media release from the Trenton Police Department detailed that law enforcement executed multiple search warrants across suspected properties on Oct. 5. Concurrently, the Philadelphia Police Department executed an arrest warrant for Harry B. Almonte, 33, of Philadelphia.

Investigators allege Almonte was the ringleader of the operation and the primary target of the investigation. He was arrested at his residence, where officers recovered three semi-automatic handguns and more than a half-pound of non-medicinal marijuana.

Almonte has been charged in New Jersey with Maintenance of a Gambling Resort, Possession of Gambling Devices, Promoting Gambling, and Money Laundering. He also faces potential weapons and drug charges in Pennsylvania.

Host Venues Face Fines

New Jersey authorities reported seizing more than $100,000 in cash from the unregulated slot machines confiscated across Trenton. Property and business owners housing the illegal devices were issued complaint summonses for maintaining a gambling resort, which carry potential fines of up to $50,000.

“This is a reminder that illegal gambling throughout the City of Trenton will not be tolerated in any form. The Trenton Police Department strives to keep the City of Trenton a safe place for the public,” the department said in a statement.

Law enforcement encouraged anyone with information regarding illegal gambling in the city to call 609-989-4000 or email tpdtips@trentonpolice.net.

A review of public court records revealed no prior criminal convictions for Almonte in New Jersey, while his Pennsylvania record consists primarily of traffic citations, including driving with a suspended license.

ncludes several traffic citations, including driving while his license was suspended.

New Jersey Gambling Landscape

Physical slot machines are legally restricted to Atlantic City’s nine land-based casinos. While state lawmakers have periodically debated expanding slot machine authorization to racetracks such as the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, commercial casino gambling remains legally confined to Atlantic City.

New Jersey also maintains a robust, regulated online casino (iGaming) market, with 29 platforms licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.