Galveston police seize more than $2m in alleged illegal gambling assets
Enforcement & compliance1 min read
Galveston police conducted 21 search-and-arrest warrants across the county on 29 October, targeting an alleged illegal gambling network. Police seized $2m in cash and assets, a preliminary figure, and raided 14 businesses. Four people were charged with organised criminal activity, each with a $250,000 bond.
The Vice and Narcotics Unit of the Galveston Police Department carried out 21 search-and-arrest warrants countywide on Thursday, October 29. Police seized electronic eight-liner machines, which are similar to slot machines, in the City of Galveston, Texas City and La Marque.
Authorities seized assets and cash valued at $2 million in the operation. That total is only a preliminary amount, and it could still change once the true value of the holdings is known. Authorities raided 14 businesses. Four people face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity. Each of the four has a bond of $250,000.
The operation took several months to develop, and a tip about illegal gambling was received as early as June 2026. Later steps included going undercover inside the venue and gathering additional evidence. Legitimate businesses housed some of the illegal gambling venues. The Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force has worked on suspected illegal gambling cases before. A similar operation in February saw 20 locations raided on suspicion of operating illegal gambling.