BISMARCK, ND – Attorney General Drew Wrigley has fined the West Fargo Rural Fire Department and barred it from holding gaming at two West Fargo bars, after investigators determined the organization committed significant violations of state gaming laws and administrative rules.
West Fargo Rural Fire Department was fined $20,000 with $5,000 suspended for five years and barred from conducting gaming activity at the Bar Nine and Bordertown Bar & Grill in West Fargo after it was determined the department organized games of chance that were run by the bars.
Attorney General Wrigley also ordered the suspension of gaming authorizations for Bar Nine and Bordertown Bar & Grill for one year, effective July 1, 2022.
The Attorney General’s office said the department conducted games of chance which directly benefited the businesses, allowing them to influence how prizes were determined, including bingo prizes, and conducting unsanctioned raffle activity.
“The people of North Dakota support charitable gaming and expect this activity to be conducted in compliance with all laws and regulations,” Wrigley said. “This office works to protect the integrity of gaming, and uphold the expectations people have placed on this industry.”