Crime & Scandals

Trenton Police Seize 70 Slot Machines From 30 Businesses, Suspect Arrested in Philadelphia

Posted on: October 6, 2026, 03:07h.

Last updated on: October 6, 2026, 03:08h.

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Devin O'Connor Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news. Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014...
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Key Points

Trenton and Philadelphia police arrested a Philadelphia man and seized more than 70 illegal slot machines after an 11-month investigation
Harry B. Almonte, 33, allegedly led the gambling network and was arrested with three semi-automatic handguns and more than a half-pound of marijuana
More than $100,000 in cash was seized, while owners of at least 30 host locations face summonses carrying potential fines of up to $50,000

The Trenton Police Department, with assistance from the New Jersey Police Financial Crimes Unit, recently concluded an 11-month investigation into an illegal gambling operation throughout the capital city. On Monday (Oct. 5), law enforcement said the investigation culminated in the arrest of a Philadelphia man and the seizure of more than 70 illegal slot machines from at least 30 businesses and homes.

Trenton Police illegal gambling raids — A Trenton Police Department SUV cruiser is pictured in a file photograph from Jan. 18, 2021. With assistance from the New Jersey Police Financial Crimes Unit, Trenton law enforcement recently concluded an 11-month investigation into an alleged illegal gambling network operating across the city. (Image: Shutterstock)

A media release from the Trenton Police Department detailed that multiple search warrants for properties suspected of housing illegal slots were executed on Oct. 5. At the same time, an arrest warrant for Harry B. Almonte, 33, of Philadelphia, was executed by the Philadelphia Police Department.

Investigators allege that Almonte was the ringleader of the illegal gambling network and became the “main target of the gambling scheme.” He was arrested at his residence and found in possession of three semi-automatic handguns and more than a half-pound of non-medicinal marijuana.

Almonte has been charged with Maintenance of Gambling Resort or Online Gambling Resort, Possession of Gambling Devices, Promoting Gambling, and Money Laundering. He could also face weapons and drug charges in Pennsylvania.

Host Locations Cited

New Jersey prosecutors said more than $100,000 in cash was seized from the unregulated gambling machines taken from the Trenton-area properties. The owners of the locations where the slot machines were discovered were issued complaint summonses for maintaining gambling houses, which come with a possible fine of up to $50,000.

Detectives identified multiple slot-style gaming machines being utilized for personal gain in the establishments during the investigation.

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 Trenton Police Department release read.

The statement encouraged anyone with information regarding illegal gambling in the city to call 609-989-4000 or email Trenton Police Crime Tips at tpdtips@trentonpolice.net.

Casino.org did not find any court records linked to Almonte other than the active charges. In Pennsylvania, Almonte’s rap sheet includes several traffic citations, including driving while his license was suspended.

New Jersey Gambling

Slot machines are only legal inside the nine casinos in Atlantic City. While there have been efforts in recent years in the Trenton capital to authorize slots at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks, casino gambling remains limited to Atlantic City.

New Jersey is also home to legal online casino gambling, or iGaming. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement lists 29 licensed iGaming platforms.