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Del. cigarette outlets doubled as illegal gambling parlors 

The owners and some employees at cigarette outlets in Seaford and Laurel are accused of illegal gambling operations at the businesses for which winning customers would receive cash pay-outs, Delaware authorities said Wednesday.

Arrested were Ashkkumar J. Patel, Dipti J. Patel and Ramesbhai C. Patel, each charged April 16 with providing a premise for gambling, possession of a gambling device and conspiracy in the third degree, said Kimberly H. Chandler, media and community relations director at the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The arrests follow a six-month investigation into alleged gambling activities at the Payless Cigarette Outlet on West Stein Highway in Seaford, and the Laurel Cigarette Outlet on Sussex Highway in Laurel

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