Galveston police raid game rooms and homes in illegal gambling crackdown, multiple arrests made

Galveston police shut down multiple suspected illegal gambling operations Tuesday morning, serving search warrants at nine locations across the island.

Investigators targeted five businesses and four homes after a months-long probe into unregulated “game rooms,” according to the Galveston Police Department.

Police seized a large number of illegal electronic “eight-liner” machines, an undisclosed amount of cash and electronic records tied to the operation.

PAST: $1.5M seized, 6 arrested in Galveston County illegal gambling and money laundering bust

Several people were taken into custody. Police said charges are expected to include engaging in organized criminal activity and possession of illegal gambling devices.

Three of the targeted businesses were located in the 61st Street Plaza at 2215 61st Street. Other locations included Tong’s Happy Buddha at 2827 61st Street and A&M Grocery at 1228 39th Street.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available.