Authorities in San Antonio, Texas, busted seven suspected illegal gambling operations that allegedly paid winners in Pokémon cards, sports memorabilia, and silver instead of cash. The coordinated raids led to 23 detentions and the confiscation of about 500 to 600 gaming machines.
Illegal Gambling Network Used Trading Cards to Bypass Texas Laws
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office conducted the searches early Wednesday, November 4, before sunrise. Sheriff Javier Salazar said investigators believe the businesses that were targeted were linked through a larger operation called 777. Thirteen people are expected to be charged with illegal gambling, felony drug possession, and organized criminal activity. Some have outstanding warrants for misdemeanors as well, as reported by News 4 San Antonio.
The businesses were located in several spots on the north and west sides of San Antonio. One, the Silver Room Game Room, was located in a shopping center along West Avenue. Other targeted locations were at Wurzbach Road, Callaghan Road, Broadway, Clower, Dollarhide, and Culebra Road.
Investigators think the operators set up alternative payment arrangements to get around Texasrestrictions on gambling prizes. In one place, customers were said to have been handed valuable Pokémon or sports trading cards rather than cash directly. The collectibles were reportedly bought by a neighboring business, enabling winners to turn their prizes into cash…