Trenton Police Seize 70 Slot Machines and Over $100,000 from Alleged Citywide Gambling Network

Trenton police dismantled an unlawful gambling operation that placed more than 70 slot machines across roughly 30 businesses. Officers seized the machines plus over $100,000 in cash during raids which took place on Monday, October 5. The action followed an 11-month investigation by the Trenton Police Department’s Alcohol and Beverage Control Unit and the New Jersey State Police Financial Crimes Unit.

Targeted Locations and Identified Operator

Search warrants were executed at bodegas, barber shops, and other small stores throughout the city. Authorities identified 33-year-old H.B.A. of Philadelphia as the alleged operator. Philadelphia police arrested him at his home. He faces charges of promoting gambling, possession of gambling devices, maintaining a gambling resort, and money laundering involving between $75,000 and $500,000.

The operation came to light in November 2025 after state police received a tip about slot machines in Trenton businesses. Officers had previously stopped H.B.A. and found him carrying cash along with a receipt indicating one machine had taken in $25,000. None of the locations held required licenses for such games. Investigators used undercover officers and surveillance on H.B.A.’s movements and vehicle.

Monthly Deposits, Additional Seizures, and Multi-Agency Effort

Bank records showed H.B.A. made regular trips from Philadelphia to service the machines and collect proceeds, with monthly deposits ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities allege the accounts mixed gambling funds with legitimate money to conceal their origin. At his residence, Philadelphia police found three semi-automatic handguns and more than half a pound of marijuana, leading to separate weapons and drug charges.

The operation involved the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and police departments from Ewing, Hopewell, West Windsor, and Robbinsville. A large police presence prompted some residents to question whether immigration enforcement was underway. Trenton authorities issued a public safety alert clarifying the activity was unrelated to any ICE action. The affected businesses received summonses for maintaining a gambling resort and possessing gambling devices. As reported by GamblingNews, police described the case as a warning to businesses operating illegal gambling machines and asked residents to report similar activity.

Reporting: GamblingNews

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