Raid in Amityville: Police Bust Illegal Gambling Operation at Long Island Deli

Suffolk County police officers delivered a significant blow to illegal gambling in the New York suburb of Amityville on Friday night around 10 p.m. During an ongoing State Liquor Authority investigation, detectives encountered an illegal gambling machine at Galeanos Deli on Albany Avenue. Such incidents are not isolated on Long Island, but the precision with which authorities struck here demonstrates a zero-tolerance policy toward unlicensed gaming offerings. In an environment actually intended for selling sandwiches and groceries, a risky illegal offering was hidden behind the scenes.

Police did not hesitate and arrested two men on-site. One of those arrested is Edwin Galeano Arguenta, an employee of the shop residing in Brentwood. He now faces charges for promoting gambling. But he wasn't the only one led away in handcuffs. A customer, Marvin Amaya of Copiague, was also arrested. His situation was even more complicated: he was not only charged with drug possession but was also wanted on a bench warrant. This arrest illustrates that illegal gambling often goes hand in hand with other criminal offenses.

Numbers and facts

The operation took place on September 19, 2026. Officers intervened precisely at 10 p.m., while the deli was still in full operation. This was not the first raid of its kind in the region. There have been similar incidents in the past, such as in February 2025, when eight men were arrested at Tropical Deli & Grocery, also in North Amityville. At that time, residents complained about the operation, eventually leading to a search around 9:30 p.m. In that operation, owner Rafael Valero (51) and manager Robert Rodriguez (34) were among those arrested.

In the current case from September 2026, the focus is primarily on the role of the gambling machines. While strict rules for payout ratios and player protection apply in licensed casinos, these backroom devices evade all control. Suffolk police have made it clear that they will consistently prosecute such violations. The charge against Edwin Galeano Arguenta for "promoting gambling" shows that even employees are held accountable if they support the operation of such devices.

Background

The problem of illegal gambling on Long Island has a deeper dimension. Often, these small shops are just the tip of the iceberg. In the past, there were even cases where police officers were involved in illegal rings. A prominent example is former detective Hector Rosario, who was accused of moonlighting for the Bonanno crime family. He allegedly conducted fake raids on rivals to secure the market for the mob. Although the current case at Galeanos Deli seems smaller, it is part of a larger puzzle in combating organized crime.

"Edwin Galeano Arguenta, an employee from Brentwood, was arrested and charged with promoting gambling, according to police. A customer, Marvin Amaya of Copiague, was also arrested on a bench warrant and for drug possession." - Spokesperson, Suffolk County Police Department

Such quotes underline the seriousness of the situation. It's not just about a few dollars in a slot machine, but about enforcing state sovereignty in the gambling sector. When private actors operate without a license, the state not only loses tax revenue, but crucial consumer protection is completely bypassed.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, this case offers an important lesson about the importance of regulation. In Germany, the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) strictly regulates who receives a permit and who does not. Anyone playing in Germany must ensure the provider is on the so-called whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Illegal offers, whether physical in a kiosk or digital on a dubious website without a German license, offer no security. In Germany, the hurdles are high: there is a cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and a stake limit of 1 euro per round for slots. These measures serve to protect against gambling addiction.

Furthermore, the LUGAS IT system in Germany ensures that players cannot be active with multiple providers simultaneously. Anyone using an illegal device in a deli—whether in the US or theoretically in a German backroom—risks being cheated. There is no guarantee of a payout and no legal recourse in case of a dispute. The GGL license is the only seal of quality that guarantees German customers real, safe gaming.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For reputable casinos licensed according to GGL standards, such news from the US is a confirmation of their work. It shows how important it is to create a legal channel for gaming enthusiasts. Only if there are attractive, safe, and regulated offers can the black market be effectively drained. German licensees invest millions in player protection and compliance with technical guidelines. The incident in Amityville serves as a reminder that the fight against the shadow economy remains a permanent task requiring close cooperation between authorities and legal providers.