AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Sheriff's Office hit the jackpot Thursday afternoon when they busted a business for running an illegal gambling operation. Investigators raided Petro gas station on Wrightsboro Road, just across from the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

Investigators say it’s an operation that's been going on behind closed doors for several months. NBC Augusta 26 News was the only station there as Richmond County's Vice Division broke up this illegal gambling operation.

Richmond County's Vice Division and crime suppression team loaded up the evidence of this illegal gambling operation. A total of six video gambling machines were confiscated.

NBC Augusta 26 News was the only station there as deputies arrested the owner of the business Riaz Fazalbhoy, his step-daughter Ambreen Merchant and employee Armeet Sighn. For two months investigators say they watched unusual activity going in and out of this business.

"You would see people going into the store. It would be 30 minutes to a couple hours before they would come out and they wouldn't have any merchandise,” said Investigator Tony Hyatt, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say this illegal gambling ring brought in thousands of dollars for this business. Here’s how it worked: customers would give employees money and they would then swipe a card with that amount. The customers would then use it on any machine for a chance to win big money.

"They were out in the store in plain view. Anyone walking in the store could see the games,” said Hyatt.

Investigators say they are using this business as an example for any other illegal gambling operations hoping they will shut down before their luck runs out.

Investigators say this is the first illegal gambling bust they've had in several years. They also tell NBC Augusta 26 News they've received more complaints of other businesses running similar operations. They add businesses shouldn't be surprised when they come knocking.

This isn't the first time the Petro Gas was raided for illegal gambling. Investigators say they arrested the owner several years ago.

The three arrested Thursday are charged with felony commercial gambling and keeping a gambling place. They could be sentenced to five years in prison if found guilty.

Richmond County Narcotics and Georgia Department of Revenue also helped in the operation.