Regulators and law enforcement say the machines are simulating gambling.

"They went through and did a forensic analysis: tested the games, looked at how they operated internally and came to the conclusion that they are in fact a slot machine," said Peggi O'Keefe, Executice Director of the Colorado Gaming Association.

October 4, 2017
Denver Vice Raids Adult Arcade, Claims Illegal Gaming
Fox Denver-Channel 31

There was no gaming authority oversight or regulation, and at the time of the investigation in April, no license to operate. Yet, video showed employees paid out winners with cash up to $500 a day.

July 17, 2017
Police Crackdown on Adult Skill Games Arcades
Fox 31 Denver

“Pursuant to a warrant obtained in connection with an alleged illegal gambling operation, agents with the CBI Gaming Unit, Colorado Department of Revenue (Gaming and Tax units), the Commerce City and Evans police departments and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office seized items from metro area businesses in connection with an on-going investigation.”

May 10, 2017
Are They Games of Skill or Gambling in Denver Business?
Fox 31 Denver

"All based on your skill. If you are skillful, you will win every time," she said. "Just like Candy Crush, you can clear the board every time.”

But undercover customers did not find that to be the case.

April 20, 2017
Pueblo Police Explain Illegal Gambling ‘Fish Games’ Probe
The Pueblo Chieftain

"The devices (fish games) possess all the characteristics typically associated with a gambling device: consideration, chance and prize. As such, it would be considered a form of gambling device," said Sgt. Wayne Luizza of the Pueblo Police Department.

Police said the gambling that occurs isn't regulated, and none of the protections that are afforded to players at legal gaming sites in Colorado such as surveillance and tracking of wagers and payouts are applicable to bettors.”

“Police have said that a number of complaints and concerns have been received, including information that children have been playing these games.”

April 19, 2017
Illegal Gambling Crackdown Continues in Pueblo
Fox News-Channel 21

Authorities are reminding the public to be aware that gambling at these types of establishments is non-regulated. As a result, none of the protections that are afforded to players at legal Colorado gaming sites, such as surveillance and tracking of wagers and payouts are not applicable.

April 19, 2017
Illegal Gaming Bust at Rush Coffee Co. in Pueblo
KKTV-Channel 11

Pueblo police want to remind the public that the gambling that occurs at these types of establishments is non-regulated. Therefore, none of the protections that are afforded to players at legal gaming sites in Colorado, such as surveillance and tracking of wagers and payouts, are not applicable.

March 16, 2017
Eight Arrested in Pueblo Illegal Gambling Operations
ABC News-Channel 13

"The illegal gambling was based on machines that are commonly known as fishing games, where people enter money into the machine and they win prizes in money and because of that, it's actually illegal gambling," said Sgt. Eric Gonzales of the Pueblo Police Department.

March 15, 2017
Owners of 3 Illegal Gambling Establishments in Pueblo County Facing Charges
Fox News-Channel 21

Authorities are reminding the public that the gambling that occurs at these types of establishments is non-regulated.

As a result, none of the protections that apply to players at legal gaming sites in Colorado - like surveillance and tracking of wages and payouts - are not applicable.

March 15, 2017
Pueblo Police Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Establishments
KKTV-Channel 11

Police received a number of complaints and concerns, including information that children have been playing gambling games. The establishments were using digital and internet gambling games known as "fish games."

March 15, 2017
Authorities Raid Illegal Gambling Sites in Pueblo
ABC News-Channel 13

"The public should be aware that the gambling that occurs at these types of establishments is nonregulated. Therefore, none of the protections that are afforded to players at legal gaming sites in Colorado, such as surveillance and tracking of wagers and payouts, are not applicable."