In a sweeping federal offensive that has rattled law enforcement across multiple states, nine Indian nationals—all hailing from Gujarat—have been indicted for orchestrating a sprawling, multi-million-dollar illegal gambling syndicate masked behind so-called skill game arcades. The criminal enterprise, operating across six Missouri locations, is alleged to have raked in over $9.5 million between 2022 and 2025.
The defendants ran illegal gambling businesses under the garb of internet amusement arcade games, adult arcades and skill game arcades. Five of them were active on WhatsApp. They discussed illicit gambling arcades between May 31, 2023 and March 11, 2024.
According to reports, Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations in Kansas City, said that the operation was of a serious nature. He said it was an organised, multi-million-dollar criminal network that had operated brazenly. So much so that it could remain one step ahead of law enforcement.
The indictment, unsealed in the lead-up to arraignments scheduled for July 23 and 24, charges all nine men with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, operating illegal gambling businesses, and conspiracy to launder money. Some among them are also accused of executing individual transactions exceeding $10,000 in illicit proceeds.
The charged individuals span across several states—four from Georgia, two from New York, and one each from Washington, Arkansas, and Colorado.
Reports further mentioned that a 72-count superseding indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury in Springfield on May 14, replaced an earlier December 10, 2024 indictment against one defendant. It added both new charges and additional defendants.
“The federal indictment charges all nine defendants with one count each of participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses from July 1, 2022, to May 13, 2025. In addition to the conspiracy counts, all nine defendants were charged with at least one count of wire fraud, and eight defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering,” read a part of the document published by a media house.
Using names such as Big Win Arcade, Spin Hitters, and Vegas City Arcade, the businesses presented a façade of legitimate entertainment centres, while secretly conducting illegal electronic gambling operations across Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West.
The modus operandi was sophisticated and deliberate. “Between April 24 and Aug 28, 2023, one of the defendants registered six businesses online with the Missouri Secretary of State: Big Win Arcade, LLC; Big Win Arcade 2023, LLC; Spin Hitters 1, LLC; Spin Hitters, LLC; Vegas City Arcade, LLC; and Vegas Arcade, LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants then used these businesses to fraudulently apply for business licence applications filed with the cities of Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West, and to obtain utilities contracts, lease agreements and business incorporation documents filed with the State of Missouri,” reads the document from the US Attorney’s Office.
Local staff were employed to manage operations that included slot machines, gambling devices, and games of chance—activities that violated both Missouri and federal laws.
Between May 31, 2023, and March 11, 2024, five of the accused are said to have used WhatsApp group chats to coordinate the functioning of the illicit arcades, a report highlighted.
The indictment reveals a sophisticated laundering trail: proceeds from the arcades were moved across several states to perpetuate ongoing criminal activity. The money was then discreetly deposited into various personal bank accounts within the United States and India. The total laundered amount exceeded $9.5 million.
“This case is a reminder: illegal gambling operations affect the citizens of the neighbourhoods and communities where they are located as well as the local economy,” stated US Attorney Jeff Ray. “We worked closely with our law enforcement partners to shut down this criminal conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice.”
Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams added, “What began as a local investigation quickly expanded into a large, multi-jurisdictional case resulting in numerous indictments and a significant positive impact across our community.”
The operation is part of Operation Take Back America, a broad-based U.S. Department of Justice campaign designed to disrupt transnational criminal enterprises. It consolidates the resources of the Organised Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Project Safe Neighbourhoods, and immigration enforcement. “Today’s charges reflect the dedication of law enforcement, especially in Springfield, Joplin and across Southwest Missouri — to hold those who violate the law accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus. This Gujarat-origin gambling ring is one of the largest arcade-based frauds unearthed under this initiative.
Arcade mode is a feature in many video games, popular for fast-paced gameplay experience. It encourages quick reflexes, streamlined action, and the pursuit of high scores. It often strips away complex narratives in favour of pure, adrenaline-fuelled enjoyment.
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