Walter Limann Hicks Sr., a 51-year-old from Gaston, South Carolina, was arrested on March 3 for running an illegal gambling operation from his home, with SLED announcing it Friday.
Charges and Seizure
He faces counts of unlawful possession/operation of gambling devices and unlawful games/betting after authorities seized 18 “Pot O Gold” machines offering blackjack, keno, and poker. Released on bond after two days, he’ll be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, facing up to one year max—likely just months given SC’s strict but leniently enforced anti-gambling laws.
Prior Record
Just before this, Hicks was charged with assault and battery of a high/aggravated nature. His history includes a 2023 first-degree domestic violence arrest (pled to second-degree), a 2020 third-degree DV charge (pled to disorderly conduct), and a 2017 malicious injury case (pled to disorderly).
Local Context
Gaston sits in your nearby Lexington County area—SLED often cracks down on home-based “video poker” parlors despite their prevalence. Another reminder of SC’s gambling gray areas amid your local news feed.
