Strong words from the Sheriff Thursday were aimed at those who run illegal gambling operations.
“These places are designed to go after the the underprivileged,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said.
Illegal gambling rings aren’t anything new in San Antonio.
We’ve covered a number of busts over the years.
“I think it’s definitely something that’s happening throughout the county,” District Five Councilwoman Teri Castillo said.
Thursday’s bust is the latest one. 19 people were detained after a gambling ring on the city’s Southwest side was busted.
It happened in District Five and Councilwoman Castillo said these rings often target the vulnerable.
“We know that gambling is highly addictive. So again, right, these are predatory establishments that are put in our neighborhoods with intention to take advantage of us, not because they’re trying to help us make some quick money. Folks get hooked and can blow their rent their medication money,” Councilwoman Castillo said.
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office received more than 20 cases of gambling related charges in February 2022.
In February 2023 they got three.
Sheriff Salazar said organized crime is behind every gambling bust they deal with.
“They make a very, very thinly veiled attempt to disguise that,” Sheriff Salazar said.
Sometimes they’re even repeat offenders.
“One of the suspects that we found here he’s actually a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang was found to be in custody and care control of this operation today. A few months ago you may recall that we did a similar operation. That same suspect was in control. These cases is not just a one and done these people continue to commit crimes and we continue to arrest them and deal with them every chance we get,” Sheriff Salazar said.
Right now, there are several bills that look to change gambling in Texas.
Councilwoman Castillo said it’s important to keep a close eye on them as the legislative session continues.
“Anything regarding the legalization or penalties regarding gambling, illegal gambling is something that’s going to be a state conversation and that should be taking place soon,” Councilwoman Castillo said.
Sheriff Salazar said the man who was allegedly running the gambling operation had an active warrant from his previous case.
We spoke with people in the neighborhood off camera who said they’re glad something has been done about the gambling operation but won’t be surprised if it somehow returns.