Burglars raided two bingo halls and an amusement arcade within an hour.
More than 20 fruit machines were plundered and coins stolen during the break-ins in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford.
Detectives believe the same offenders may have been responsible for all three raids between 11.50pm on Monday and 12.50am yesterday.
The first, at Mecca Bingo, on the Octagon Retail Park, Etruria Road, Hanley, saw the burglars leave empty-handed after forcing their way into the building. They smashed their way in through the front doors but stopped at the foyer and are thought to have left the scene in a vehicle. Police are now checking CCTV footage covering the area.
Ten minutes later, about 20 games machines were smashed open at Gala Bingo, in Victoria Road, Fenton, and coins were stolen.
Police believe more than one person was involved because of the speed at which they emptied the machines before officers arrived.
At 12.50am, the back doors were forced open at Shipley's amusement arcade, in Bridge Street, Stafford, where more machines were raided.
A police spokesman said: "Although it is too early at this stage to say that the incidents are linked, this will be one line of inquiry."
A spokesman for Gala Bingo said: "The robbery took place shortly after midnight on December 30. The club was closed for the evening. The club is now open again."
Anyone with information is asked to call Hanley CID on 01785 234871 or Stafford CID on 01785 234931
