Galveston police seize over US$2m in illegal gambling raids
The investigation began with a tip in June and has led to four organised criminal activity charges, though the seized total is still preliminary.
Key takeaways:
- Galveston police executed 21 search-and-arrest warrants on October 29 at 14 businesses across Galveston, Texas City and La Marque.
- Officers seized electronic eight-liner machines and more than US$2m in cash and assets, a preliminary figure that could change.
- Four people have been charged with engaging in organised criminal activity, each with a US$250,000 bond.
- The investigation began in June 2026 after a tip about suspected illegal gambling, followed by undercover work.
US.- The Galveston County Police Department in Texas has carried out 21 search-and-arrest warrants as part of an investigation into an alleged illegal gambling network. The October 29 operation targeted 14 businesses across Galveston, Texas City and La Marque. Officers seized electronic eight-liner machines and more than US$2m in cash and assets.
The latest raids included some venues that operated as legitimate commercial establishments alongside the alleged gambling activity. The investigation began in June 2026, when authorities received a tipoff about suspected illegal gambling. Officers subsequently conducted undercover work and gathered evidence before obtaining the search and arrest warrants.
Four people have been charged with engaging in organised criminal activity. Each was assigned a US$250,000 bond.
Eight-liner machines resemble slot machines and have been at the centre of several enforcement actions in the county. Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said: “This is a continuing effort in the county. It seems like people are not getting the message after Hitchcock and La Marque. These eight-liners, this illegal gambling, is not going to be tolerated”.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What are eight-liner machines? Eight-liner machines are electronic devices that resemble slot machines. They have been at the centre of several enforcement actions in Galveston County. In some of the raided businesses, the alleged gambling activity took place alongside what appeared to be legitimate commercial operations.
- How much was seized in the Galveston gambling raids? Officers seized more than US$2m in cash and assets, along with eight-liner machines. Authorities described the amount as preliminary, meaning the total value could change as the investigation progresses.
