Texas police cracks down on illegal gambling, money laundering

• A comprehensive police operation in the City of La Marque and surrounding areas was executed by law enforcement earlier this week
• Police raided gaming venues as part of a multi-agency effort against an illegal gambling and money laundering syndicate
• Arrests, seized assets and charges suspects may face are yet to be confirmed

Texas law enforcement agencies have organized a coordinated operation against illegal gambling and money laundering, executing dozens of search warrants in the City of La Marque and nearby areas.

Executed by the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), in collaboration with several other agencies, the warrants affected financial institutions, locations in Fort Bend County and venues across La Marque.

Raids sought to disrupt and dismantle a criminal syndicate in La Marque

According to a press release by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, the operation against illegal gambling, money laundering and organized crime activities started on June 1, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM.

Law enforcement confirmed that the coordinated raids sought to "disrupt and dismantle a long-standing illegal gambling enterprise operating within the City of La Marque and surrounding areas."

It is yet to be confirmed how long did police investigated the criminal organization prior to taking the coordinated enforcement action.

While the Galveston County Sheriff's Office confirmed the launch of the illegal gambling and money laundering operation, the investigation is currently ongoing.

Law enforcement confirmed that details regarding arrests, charges, and seized evidence from the raided locations are expected to be released in due time.

The OCTF thanked Galveston County District Attorney's Office, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, Galveston Police Department, League City Police Department and Brazoria County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in the latest operation.

Law enforcement executed search warrants at gaming venues, financial institutions

A dozen search warrants affected what law enforcement described as "various financial institutions."

Those actions complemented the ongoing investigation into the financial aspect of the illegal gambling, money laundering and criminal group.

Equally as important, police executed two search warrants in Fort Bend County, related to the owner and operator of a game room called Gold Chest in La Marque.

The two locations, both in Sugar Land, police believed were used to store and distribute illegal gambling devices.

Last but not least, game room locations across La Marque and Alvin were also hit as part of the recent police operation.

As a result, detectives executed search warrants at 24/7 on 22430 W. Highway 6 in Alvin, as well as Double Diamond at 116 State Highway 3, Purple Building at 1002 Main Street and Rusty’s at 228 Lake Road in La Marque.

Game room locations TJ’s at 4320 IH-45, Pig Pen on 5309 IH-45 and Gold Chest at 5307 IH-45, all in La Marque were also hit.

Image credit: Pixabay.com