A South Carolina man has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to participating in a large-scale illegal video poker scheme. James Helms, 73, of Chapin, admitted to conspiracy to operate an unlawful gambling business.
According to court documents, the operation—located in Lexington, a suburb of Columbia—generated up to $100,000 per week. Helms was one of five individuals involved in the scheme, which was primarily run out of the home of Fred McCary, 68, who was earlier identified as the operation’s kingpin.
Kingpin Sentenced
McCary was sentenced to six months in federal prison and six months of home confinement. His criminal history spans decades, including a 1993 arrest for bookmarking and a 2008 arrest for illegal gambling. The video poker operation ran daily from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., staffed in two shifts and featuring 25 “Pot O Gold” slot and video gaming machines.
Helms: Arrest a Turning Point
Helms’ attorney, Jake Moore, stated that the arrest may have been a life-saving moment for his client, who had been struggling with oxycontin addiction. Helms reportedly expressed gratitude toward law enforcement, saying the arrest helped him overcome his substance abuse issues and avoid a potentially fatal path.
“He felt like drugs and gambling had ruined his life and wanted to thank the officers for intervening,” Moore said in court.
Context: Strict Gambling Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina maintains some of the toughest gambling laws in the U.S., with severe penalties for illegal operations. The state has actively pursued illicit poker and gambling activities, including a 2024 raid on an alleged illegal poker game in nearby Irmo, which later led to a lawsuit against state police.
The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts and the personal consequences of engaging in large-scale illegal gambling within the state.
