The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has announced that the owner of Player One Arcade in Denver has been found guilty of running an illegal gambling operation. Jonathan Arvay, a Denver native, was found guilty by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business and conducting an illegal gambling business. The guilty verdict was announced by the USAO-CO, who revealed that Arvay’s arcade was part of a chain of gambling parlors that spread across cities like Greeley, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, and Aurora. These establishments housed electronic gambling machines designed to resemble arcade games and virtual slot machines.
According to the USAO-CO, players who won on these games would have their winnings converted to cryptocurrency, specifically Obsidian Digital Asset Coin, which could then be exchanged for cash. The arcades had crypto teller machines that customers used to convert their e-currency winnings into cash, paying a transfer fee in the process. Acting US Attorney Matt Kirsch stated that Arvay and other defendants ran a large and complex illegal gambling operation through both online and brick-and-mortar channels, masquerading as legitimate arcades. IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge, Tom Demeo, praised the investigative efforts that helped uncover Arvay’s financial scheme and hold the criminals accountable.
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek highlighted the negative impact of the illegal gambling parlors on the community, leading to violations like money laundering and fraud. He commended the collaborative effort that successfully dismantled these establishments and thanked all parties involved. Attorney Kirsch expressed gratitude towards law enforcement officers for uncovering the harm these establishments were causing in the communities.
In conclusion, the guilty verdict against Jonathan Arvay for running an illegal gambling operation at Player One Arcade in Denver highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat illicit activities that harm communities. The investigation into Arvay’s financial scheme and the dismantling of the chain of gambling parlors demonstrate the commitment to holding criminals accountable and protecting the well-being of the community.