Two people were arrested at the south-side scene, according to the sheriff.
SAN ANTONIO — About 50 gambling machines were found amid an investigation into an illegal gambling operation at a south-side property that law enforcement had been to before, according to Bexar County authorities.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said a “big safe” with a large amount of cash was also found at the property along the 300 block of East Harding Boulevard, but the exact amount of money hasn’t been determined. Two unidentified suspects were taken into custody, but three others at the scene were released because they “had not yet begun to gamble.”
In May 2022, four people were arrested and at least $15,000 seized, along with two weapons, when sheriff’s deputies responded to the same residence for a prior gambling operation.
Because of the history of crime at the property, Sheriff Javier Salazar said it was possible the owner could also face charges.
“My guess is the owner probably realized it’s a lucrative business for them,” he said. “Being it’s already set up to operate that sort of operation – albeit illegal – they probably saw it as an opportunity to rent it out to somebody that’s willing to do the same kind of operation here.”
It’s believed the suspects were just getting ready to begin welcoming customers for the day when law enforcement arrived. Salazar called it an “extensive setup” on the property, which included the house, a game room in the back, offices and a storage area.
The sheriff clarified that possession or using the machines in an of itself isn’t against state law. But it’s illegal to pay out more than 10 times the initial bet.
Salazar said anyone who suspects there to be illegal gambling operations in their area can contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-4264 or gang@bexar.org.