36 SC stores suspended from lottery sales

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Lottery officials in South Carolina say three dozen stores have been suspended from selling tickets because of their involvement in the operation of illegal gambling machines.

Holli Armstrong with the South Carolina Education Lottery told local media that the stores are being suspended for six months because of the illegal machines.

Armstrong says the stores have received a letter about the suspension.

The stores’ contracts with the lottery include a provision for a non-appealable six-month suspension if a magistrate determines there are illegal devices in their stores.

About 4,000 businesses in South Carolina sell lottery tickets.