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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Police allege a Texarkana arcade ran a keypad-protected room with illegal gambling machines and cash payouts.
- Three people now face organized crime charges.
- In Bexar County, deputies say six people were arrested after a raid on a southeast county home uncovered 26 illegal gambling machines and drugs.
Three people have been charged in Bowie County. Investigators alleged a Texarkana arcade operated a hidden gambling room with illegal machines and cash payouts.
Andrew Tran, 26, Quyen Le, 21, and Thanh Le, 31, were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in connection with the alleged operation at Crown Gameroom in the 2700 block of New Boston Road. All three are free on $50,000 bonds.
A separate raid in Bexar County resulted in arrests of six people after a warrant was executed at a home.
Authorities said they found 26 illegal gambling machines and drugs at the residence.
Investigators say gambling happened in a secured back room
Police said investigators first received a tip in May about illegal gaming machines at Crown Gameroom. An initial property check found only 100% skill-based machines, which are legal under Texas law.
The investigation later shifted after authorities learned in July that alleged illegal machines were located in a room accessible only by keypad. Detectives reviewing body camera footage from a June visit reportedly saw a door with an electronic keypad entrance panel.
Investigators then allegedly used an undercover operative to record activity in the secured room. According to the affidavit, the operative put $50 into a machine and was able to play poker, keno, and blackjack. On one visit, the operative allegedly cashed out $450 in winnings; on a later visit, the operative lost the full $50.
The affidavit also alleged that Tran, Quyen Le, and Thanh Le were each recorded helping the undercover operative gamble.
The probable cause affidavit described the alleged gambling activity as “organized and continuing in nature.” It said it involved controlled access, electronic communications, concealed machines, and cash payouts based on credits accumulated through the machines.
If convicted, each defendant faces six months to two years in state jail.
Bexar County deputies find 26 illegal gambling machines and drugs
Bexar County deputies say six people were arrested after a warrant was executed at a southeast county home linked to suspected illegal gambling. Twenty-six illegal gambling machines and drugs were found at the residence, authorities said.
According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after deputies received a tip about possible illegal gambling at a home in the 100 block of Esma Street.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said deputies executed a warrant at the residence. At least six people were arrested. Deputies said three of those individuals had pre-existing warrants.
The home is located near South Presa Street and Southton Road. Deputy Noel Diaz told KSAT that the location was already known to law enforcement for criminal activity.
Officials have not publicly detailed the specific charges tied to the arrests. They have also not identified who owned or operated the machines, or said what drugs were recovered.
