Texas authorities seize $2m+ in Galveston-area illegal gambling probe

• 21 locations across the Galveston area in Texas were raided by law enforcement on suspicion of illegal gambling
• Four suspects were arrested, $2m was seized and police found electronic eight-liner machines
• If found guilty of organized crime involving illegal gambling

An operation against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of several suspects and seizure of more than $2m.

The large-scale operation in the Galveston area, Texas, saw the execution of nearly two dozen search warrants on suspicion of illegal gambling.

The probe started in June following a tip about illegal gambling

As announced by the local media outlet, Houston Public Media, officers with the Galveston Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit executed search and arrest warrants across Galveston County late last week.

The operation follows an investigation after a tip was received back in June.

Police sought to identify illegal gambling outlets using electronic eight-liners, gambling machines that operate similarly to slots.

Law enforcement identified potential illegal gambling dens across the City of Galveston, Texas City as well as La Marque.

Overall, 21 locations had been raided as part of the illegal gambling crackdown in the Galveston area.

The illegal gambling raids resulted in the arrest of a total of four people.

Each of the suspects faced charges for allegedly participating in organized criminal activity and illegal gambling.

The bond for each of the suspects was set at $250,000, and it remains unclear if any of them was able to post their bond.

Besides the detained suspects, law enforcement found and seized more than $2m in what is likely proceeds from illegal gambling.

As the investigation is still ongoing, police may seize further cash, while additional arrests aren’t unlikely.

Law enforcement did not confirm how long the illegal gambling venues operated before the recent bust.

Suspects may receive tough penalties

Currently, Texas offers limited legal gambling activities. The Lone Star State limits gambling to the Texas Lottery, prediction markets, sweepstakes casinos and daily fantasy sports.

While the eight-liner machines that were found at some of the illegal gambling venues are not banned outright across the state, in certain counties, they are considered illegal or operate in a legal gray area.

In Texas, individuals who engage in organized criminal activity involving illegal gambling usually face felony charges.

Depending on the severity of the crime, if found guilty, suspects can receive a penalty varying between 180 days up to two years in jail. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be applied.

The severity of the penalty depends on the underlying offenses and whether or not there are aggravating circumstances, among other things.

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