Figure 1. Illegal slot machines seized from JJ's News and Variety in Windsor Locks.
HARTFORD – Today, Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli signed a summary suspension of the Lottery Sales Agent license for JJ’s News and Variety (LSA.118544), located at 20 Main Street in Windsor Locks.
This suspension is the result of an investigation by the Department of Consumer Protection’s Gaming Division. Investigators received a consumer complaint on July 14 regarding the presence of slot machines. Investigators located five operational slot machines at the business.
Electronic gaming (slot) machines are only allowed at Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino. All machines found outside of those facilities are illegal.
“It is critical that consumers do not use illegal slot machines if they encounter them in their community,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Illegal slot machines put your money and information at risk, have no age-based restrictions, and offer significantly worse odds than regulated physical slot machines and legal iGaming platforms. Thank you to our Gaming Division, who acted quickly upon receiving a consumer complaint, and to the members of the public who assist us in protecting public safety by reporting illegal activity.”
JJ’s News and Variety Lottery Sales Agent license is suspended, effective immediately, and no lottery sales may be conducted until further written notice. The business owner, Rais Bhura, was arrested and charged with one count of engaging in professional gambling and five counts of possession of a gambling device.
The license was first issued by DCP on September 26, 2023, and has been renewed annually with the current license set to expire on March 31, 2026.
A copy of the summary suspension is attached.
Consumers can report illegal gaming machines to DCP by emailing DCP.Gaming@ct.gov.
If you or someone you know is looking for resources and support for problems relating to gambling, call, or chat with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming 24/7 confidential Problem Gambling Helpline at 1(888) 789-7777 or visit www.ccpg.org.
Information on services available in Connecticut for those who may have a problem with gambling is also available at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming. You may also learn about self-exclusion at ct.gov/selfexclusion.