Missouri arcade conspiracy involves $9.36 million illegal gambling ring

Sunilkumar N. Patel, a 53-year-old Indian national residing in New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges related to a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling operation in southwest Missouri.

Patel admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and money laundering. According to federal prosecutors, the scheme generated approximately $9.36 million in gross proceeds between July 2022 and May 2025. The operation utilized six different locations, including businesses in Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West, which were presented as internet amusement arcades, skill-game arcades, or adult arcades.

Investigators found that these locations actually offered slot machines, gambling devices, and other contests of chance in violation of both state and federal laws. Patel and eight other defendants were originally charged in a 72-count superseding indictment in May 2025. Patel faces potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for several of the charges and up to five years for the illegal gambling conspiracy.