Bexar County Deputies Seize Up to 600 Machines at Suspected Gambling Businesses

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The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at seven suspected illegal gambling businesses, detaining 23 people and seizing approximately 500 to 600 gaming machines, according to KENS 5’s Nov. 4 report.

The sheriff’s office said its Organized Crime Unit carried out the searches at locations in San Antonio and Bexar County.

At least 13 people expected to be booked

At least 13 of those detained were expected to be booked into jail on various charges, including felony drug possession, outstanding felony warrants and engaging in criminal activity, KENS 5 reported.

Sheriff describes alleged prize-based scheme

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the businesses operated under the same umbrella using the name “777.” He alleged that the operations used a prize-based scheme to get around restrictions on gambling payouts.

Salazar also said businesses that buy sports and trading cards were located next door to the gambling operations.

The sheriff described the operations as predatory, saying many customers were older adults living on fixed incomes. He warned that the businesses could bring organized crime into surrounding communities and increase the risk of gang violence.

“They draw an organized crime element to the community,” Salazar said.

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Source: As reported by kens5.com.