ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- An ongoing investigation into illegal video poker operations in the mountains has resulted in more seized records and video machines.

This time, federal agents raided at least eight businesses Thursday in Buncombe and Madison counties, where the items were seized.

The wide-ranging, months-long probe into illegal video gambling operations in the region has already resulted in nearly $2 million found stashed in a house. It also has shut down what one sheriff called an "underground casino."

Current law allows players to win up to $10 in merchandise, but cash payouts are illegal.

The investigation has found gambling operations that were illegally paying cash prizes typically of $60 and $90.

In a separate investigation, authorities in Randolph County arrested a man Thursday for owning and operating five illegal video poker machines. Police arrested Edward Marion Moran, 56, of Randleman on several charges related to owning and operating the machines. He was released on $1,500 bond.

North Carolina has been phasing out video gambling machines, and, starting Sunday, it will be a misdemeanor to possess one.

There were 10,000 registered video poker machines in North Carolina when they were legalized in 2000. But local authorities said they don't know how many exist today.

"I don't think anybody could give you a count," said Mike Robertson, director of the state Alcohol Law Enforcement agency. "And nobody has tracked the seizures."

He added that outlawing the machines could create more underground casinos.

"We will have more gambling houses open up," Robertson said.