Texas Deputies Seize up to 600 Machines in Seven Illegal Gambling Raids

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Bexar County deputies raided seven suspected illegal gambling businesses on November 4, seizing an estimated 500 to 600 gaming machines. The coordinated operation led to 23 people being detained as investigators examined suspected organized criminal activity and unusual methods of distributing gambling winnings.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said the pre-dawn raids targeted establishments believed to be connected through a network operating under the name “777.” Approximately 13 of those detained were expected to be booked into jail on charges involving gambling offenses, organized criminal activity, narcotics or outstanding warrants.

Seven Gambling Locations Raided Across Bexar County

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit executed search warrants at seven locations around San Antonio, including businesses on West Avenue, Callaghan Road, Broadway and Wurzbach Road.

One of the targeted establishments was the Silver Room Game Room, located in a shopping center on West Avenue. Investigators believe several of the businesses operated together rather than as independent gambling establishments.

Salazar said authorities had previously encountered the “777” name during other enforcement operations, including a raid on a property near Hildebrand Avenue and San Pedro Avenue. He explained that suspected operators frequently resumed business at different locations after earlier police action.

Investigators recovered substantial amounts of cash alongside hundreds of gaming machines. Salazar said one location appeared to function as a central operation, holding money that authorities believe was intended for distribution to the other businesses later that day.

Pokémon Cards and Silver Pellets Allegedly Used for Gambling Payouts

The investigation also uncovered what authorities described as attempts to disguise gambling payouts using collectible items instead of directly awarding cash.

According to Salazar, some establishments gave customers Pokémon cards or sports trading cards as prizes. Customers could then take the cards to nearby businesses and exchange them for money, sometimes receiving several hundred dollars.

At one location, investigators found a gambling business operating next to a store that purchased trading cards. Salazar alleged that the arrangement allowed customers to convert their gambling winnings into cash while the gaming establishment avoided making direct cash payments.

Other suspected operators reportedly awarded silver pellets corresponding to the value of a customer’s winnings. Those items could also be exchanged for money elsewhere.

Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 47, certain amusement machines qualify for an exemption when they award noncash merchandise prizes worth no more than 10 times the cost of playing or $5, whichever is less. Investigators believe the arrangements involving collectible cards and silver were designed to circumvent restrictions on gambling payouts.

The sheriff maintained that offering merchandise rather than directly paying cash did not make the alleged operations lawful.

Investigators Examine Drug Activity and Organized Crime Links

Deputies also discovered suspected drug offenses during the raids. At a business on Broadway, investigators reportedly found two women carrying quantities of narcotics that could support felony charges, including suspected methamphetamine and heroin.

Salazar warned that suspected illegal gambling establishments can create wider public safety concerns, citing previous incidents involving robberies, gang violence and unsafe electrical installations at similar properties.

He also expressed concern about customers who may be particularly vulnerable to financial losses, including older residents living on fixed incomes. The sheriff described some of the establishments as predatory businesses that encouraged customers to remain on the premises and continue gambling.

Police said customers participating in illegal gambling could receive citations, although Salazar characterized many visitors as people being exploited by the operators.

The Bexar County investigation adds to recent enforcement actions against unlicensed gaming rooms across the United States. In September, authorities conducted similar raids in Florida, seizing 163 illegal slot machines and more than $247,000 in cash from two businesses.

Authorities in Bexar County are continuing to examine the suspected links between the seven establishments, the recovered money and the individuals believed to control the operations. The final number of charges and the total value of seized assets had not been confirmed in the initial police briefing.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation