An Indian national of Gujarati origin has pleaded guilty for his role in a multi-million dollar illegal gambling conspiracy that allegedly operated through six companies in southwestern Missouri, generating nearly $9.36 million (approximately Rs. 89 million) in gross profits.Sunilkumar N Patel, 53, of New York, pleaded guilty in federal court in Missouri to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Six locations in Missouri
Patel admitted that he and his co-conspirators collectively obtained about $9,362,114 through the wire fraud scheme and illegal gambling businesses and then conducted financial transactions to launder the proceeds, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.The operation was allegedly carried out under the guise of “internet entertainment arcade games, skill game arcades, and adult arcades.” Prosecutors said the companies instead operated gambling contests, gaming devices and slot machines in violation of federal and Missouri laws.The six locations included four businesses in Springfield: Big Win Arcade #1, Big Win Arcade #2, Spin Hitters and Vegas Arcade. The other two were Spin Zone in Joplin and Vegas City Arcade in Branson West.Patel and his accomplices also hired local employees to work at the businesses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Patel among nine accused
Patel was among nine people charged in a 72-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Missouri, on May 14, 2025.The indictment alleged that the group operated the businesses between July 1, 2022 and May 13, 2025. The nine defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating an illegal gambling business.All nine also faced at least one count of wire fraud, while eight were charged with money laundering.Patel pleaded guilty before Chief United States Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, up to 20 years for conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, up to five years for conspiracy to commit money laundering and up to 20 years each for charges related to money laundering and wire fraud, according to the US Attorney’s Office.Federal law sets maximum sentences, while the court will determine the actual sentence based on federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.The sentencing date will be set after a pre-sentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.Multiple federal, state and local agencies investigated the case, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigations and police departments in Springfield and Joplin.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark.
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