Magic Minutes Owner Arrested on Illegal Gambling Charge

L.W. Flynn, owner of a Columbia company called Magic Minutes that creates sweepstakes machines, was arrested Thursday in Spartanburg County and charged with possession and operation of gambling machines. 

Flynn, a former investigator with the 5th Circuit Solicitor's Office, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, according to a report in The State. A magistrate ruled Magic Minutes machines illegal in Spartanburg County last May. 

Flynn testified during proceedings that he owned two Magic Minutes machines that were seized during a raid at a local store, according to The State. Based on that testimony, deputies issued a warrant for his arrest on March 25. 

Magic Minutes sells long-distance phone time and lets customers play "video games of chance" for cash prizes, according to the Magic Minutes website. The company claims it's not gambling because customers are purchasing the long distance minutes and not just paying to play the games.

Law enforcement officials who have confiscated the machines said the toll-free number customers are given to use their phone minutes doesn't work, according to The State.

Under South Carolina law, a magistrate must determine whether each gambling machine seized by law enforcement is illegal. 

Earlier this month, Governor Nikki Haley signed a law that bans sweepstakes machines. The state's original video poker ban cotained loopholes that store owners and game manufacturers used to operate sweepstakes machines. Rulings by magistrates in counties across the state were inconsistent.

Flynn was released on a $2,000 bond, according to The State. Before creating Magic Minutes, he also ran for Kershaw County Sheriff.