Raid triggers lawsuit over online gaming in Indiana

• Reprints

Updated: March 1, 2012 8:35AM

FORT WAYNE — A company that owns terminals used for online gambling has sued the Indiana Gaming Commission, saying the state violated its constitutional rights when agents seized 51 of the machines and $3,000 cash last month from two businesses in Fort Wayne.

In a lawsuit filed this week in federal court in Fort Wayne, Florida-based Buckwheat Holdings asked a judge to block any future action against the company by the state.

Gaming commission agents seized the so-called “sweepstakes machines” and money Dec. 21 from Lincoln Plaza Internet Sensations in New Haven and Wrigley Field Bar and Grill in Fort Wayne, The Journal Gazette reported.

The raid followed a Dec. 19 memo from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission that said the so-called “sweepstakes machines” popping up in bars, restaurants and other businesses that sell alcohol are illegal, even for businesses authorized to have pull-tab type games.

AP