Myrtle Beach man arrested during gaming house raid in Longs

A man was arrested last week in connection with operating an illegal gambling house after Horry County police and State Law Enforcement Division agents raided a Longs-area home on Thursday, a police report states.

Gregory Bell, 43, of Myrtle Beach, is charged with renting premises for gambling purposes and permitting gambling on premises, according to online J. Reuben Long Detention Center records.

Horry County officers received information about illegal poker games happening at a home on Loop Circle, off S.C. 905, in Longs, according to the report, which indicates authorities previously had watched the home.

Police went to the house to conduct surveillance and also called in SLED agents to assist, the report states. The agencies went to the home together Thursday afternoon.

Sgt. Thomas DelPercio, with the HCPD Narcotics and Vice Unit, went to the home’s door, knocked and announced himself. Looking through an uncovered door window, DelPercio said he saw gaming tables with people inside playing poker with chips on the tables, the report says.

Once a player let detectives inside, authorities asked who was in charge; however, no one spoke up, according to the report.

Officers investigated and determined Bell was the dealer and the one collecting the money, police said.

Other players there also named him as the person running the gaming house, the report states.

Police obtained a search warrant and further investigated the property. Officers issued citations with court dates to about 20 players and then they were advised they could leave.

Officers seized $3,330 cash, the report says. The Sun News reached out to HCPD to learn more about the incident, and Krystal Dotson, spokeswoman with the department, said it is their policy not to comment on undercover operations.

Bell was released Friday on $1,000 bond, according to online jail records.

This story was originally published July 18, 2017 at 8:21 PM.