Texas Raid Seizes Gambling Operation That Paid Winners in Pokémon Cards
Bexar County deputies raided seven San Antonio game rooms, detaining 23 people and seizing gambling devices in an operation that paid winners with trading cards.
Authorities in Bexar County, Texas, raided seven suspected illegal gambling dens early Wednesday morning, detaining 23 individuals and confiscating an estimated 500 to 600 gambling machines. The operation, centered in San Antonio, involved game rooms where winners were allegedly paid in Pokémon and sports trading cards rather than cash.
According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, the trading cards could be exchanged for money at a nearby business, effectively creating a cash-out loop that circumvented gambling laws. The raid took place before dawn, with deputies executing search warrants across multiple locations.
Salazar stated that the payment method was a deliberate tactic to mask the illegal nature of the gambling. Winners received collectible cards, which they could then redeem for cash at a separate establishment, allowing the operation to avoid direct cash payouts on site.
The investigation into the network is ongoing. Texas law prohibits most forms of gambling, with limited exceptions for charitable bingo and the state lottery. Unlicensed game rooms offering cash prizes or equivalents are considered illegal.
Deputies are reviewing seized records and devices to determine the full scope of the operation. No charges have been announced yet, but those detained face potential prosecution for promoting gambling and related offenses.
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