08/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE - Palmyra Police Investigation into Illegal Gambling Operation at Marion County Fairgrounds Leads to Arrest
PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra Police Department investigated an illegal gambling operation that was being conducted at a carnival booth at the Marion County Fairgrounds and is asking anyone who lost money at the booth to come forward.
On the afternoon of August 6, 2026, a citizen contacted the Palmyra Police Department to report a game being run at the fairgrounds. The complainant reported that the game was presented to him as "Bingo" by the male host, identified as Randy Dimech. According to the complainant, he was instructed to pay a $5 entry fee and roll a cup of marbles onto a numbered game board containing circular indentations. The numbers where the marbles landed were then totaled and converted to "points" using a separate reference sheet. The complainant was told he needed to reach 100 points to win a cash prize.
The complainant reported that the host manipulated the game by altering the point totals produced by his rolls. The complainant reported losing a total of over $650 attempting to play.
Officers with the Palmyra Police Department, with assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, determined the game is commonly known as "Razzle Dazzle." It is not bingo. Razzle Dazzle is a gambling game whose scoring system is mathematically structured so that players are almost never able to reach a winning total, regardless of how much money they spend or how skillfully they play. When interviewed, Dimech stated that because of the odds of the game, a player would have to spend in excess of $3,000 — with no guarantee of ever winning.
On August 7, 2026, the Palmyra Police Department, assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and with thorough investigation, was able to effect an arrest on Dimech and took him into custody.
Flyers displayed at the booth stated that players were guaranteed to receive money upon scoring 100 points, but no flyer disclosed what prizes were actually available.
The case remains under investigation, and charges will be referred to the Marion County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review. The charges being alleged include Promoting Gambling in the 1st Degree (a Class E Felony) and Stealing - $750 or more (a Class D Felony).
The suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. This release reflects information available at the time of publication, and the investigation is ongoing.
-Additional Victims Encouraged to Come Forward-
The Palmyra Police Department believes there may be additional victims who lost money to this game at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Anyone who played the game — whether it was described to them as "Bingo," "Razzle Dazzle," or by any other name — is encouraged to contact the Palmyra Police Department to make a report. Victims are asked to bring any receipts, photographs, flyers, or bank and ATM records that may help document their losses.
Palmyra Police Department Non-emergency: (573) 769-5540 In an emergency, always call 911.
**Public Advisory**
Residents are reminded to be cautious of carnival and midway games that:
•Charge an escalating or "increasing" entry fee as play continues
•Require the operator to calculate or convert your score for you
•Advertise guaranteed payouts without disclosing the actual prizes
•Are described using a familiar, legitimate-sounding name such as "Bingo"
