(HOUSTON, TX) – Investigators with the HCSO’s Game Room Task Force, acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, conducted an operation at two southwest Harris County game rooms Thursday. The operation resulted in the seizure of gambling devices, cash, drugs, weapons, and two arrests.
Investigators received information that possible illegal gambling and drug activity was taking place at two game rooms located at 3715 State Highway 6 South, Suite 110, and 13614 Bellaire Blvd. After several days of investigation, HCSO deputies obtained a search warrant and made entry into the businesses. Because of confirmed illegal drug activity inside and the possibility of violence, the Sheriff’s Office High Risk Operations Unit (HROU) was called for reinforcement.
At the Hwy 6 location, investigators arrested a man for possession of marijuana and gambling devices.
They also confiscated over $16,000 in cash, more than 100 motherboards, drugs, and several weapons.
At the Bellaire location, investigators seized more than $8,700 in cash, 30 motherboards, drugs, and weapons. A woman was arrested for outstanding felony warrants.
Since January 2013, the HCSO’s Vice Unit has targeted numerous illegal gambling operations resulting in the seizure of over $150,000 and nearly 700 motherboards.
Game rooms can operate legally in Harris Count as long as they are using machines for amusement only. Once game rooms start paying winnings in cash or in anything of value over $5 they become an illegal gambling operation.
Citizens who suspect illegal gambling operations can report it to the HCSO using the free mobile app iWatchHarrisCounty. For more information please visit www.iwatchharriscounty.com.
