Illegal gambling businesses shut down following raids on commercial and residential properties in Texas

Several commercial and residential properties in Galveston, Texas was attacked suspected of facilitating illegal gambling and organized criminal activity.

The multi-site operation took place on Tuesday January 6, according to a briefing from the Galveston Police Departmenttargeting several businesses and households suspected of being involved in the organization of illegal gambling and organized crime.

The tactical raid began early in the morning, with detectives from the Galveston Police Department and specialized units entering the properties under search and arrest warrants. These searches took place following an investigation lasting several months into unregulated “gaming rooms” and associated alleged criminal financial networks that support their operations.

“Illegal gaming operations often attract secondary crimes, including money laundering and narcotics distribution,” the Galveston Police Department’s official statement said. “Today’s action demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods by dismantling these unauthorized operations.

Results of Illegal Gambling Raids in Galveston

Although the nature of the ongoing investigation means the names of those arrested are still not being made public, the Galveston Police Department has confirmed that five commercial businesses and four private residences were the subject of search and arrest warrants at the same time.

This included three retail locations within the 61st Street Plaza and 2215 61st, Tongs Happy Buddha and A&M Grocery. Several individuals have been taken into custody and expected charges are believed to include engaging in organized criminal activity and possession of gaming devices/equipment. At the time of writing, those arrested are still being processed.

Galveston Police Department officers also seized a significant number of illegal eight-line slot machinesas well as an undisclosed amount of cash and electronic records linked to the wider criminal network.

According to the Galveston Police Department, the investigation is still ongoing, with specific details related to the active investigation remaining confidential at this time.

Featured image: Google Maps

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