Thousands of dollars were seized and store clerks were arrested in a major gambling raid in metro Atlanta.

Clayton County sheriff's deputies say they raided nine stores simultaneously on Wednesday.

Authorities tell WSB-TV that undercover officers have been investigating for weeks, playing gambling machines in the stores and getting cash payouts, which is illegal in Georgia. In almost every case, the gambling machines were behind closed doors.

Sheriff's officials said store clerks were arrested in Jonesboro, Morrow and Lovejoy.

Authorities said sheriff's officials seized at least $63,000, along with five vehicles and more than 50 machines.

Tags: Jonesboro, gambling, Lovejoy, Seizure, Morrow