Law Enforcement Shuts Down Unlawful Betting Establishment in San Diego
SDPD conducted a raid on a clandestine gambling establishment on Thursday, seizing 23 illegal gaming devices, illicit substances, and over $4,700 in cash.
This illicit gaming den was hidden in a residence situated above a commercial property within Central San Diego's Kensington district. The authorities had been collecting tips from the neighbors about the suspicious home, leading them to issue a search warrant. Upon entering, they discovered 9 individuals indulging in gambling activities. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the police issued two citations – one for drug possession and another for unlawfully visiting a gambling establishment.
A Rare Raids occurred in San Diego again
The last time SDPD busted illegal gambling dens in the city was during a series of extensive FBI raids on April 14, 2021, in Eastern San Diego. These raids targeted 24 illegal gambling establishments, resulting in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people. The FBI confiscated 640 gaming machines, 44 firearms, over 12 pounds of methamphetamine, and $263,000 in cash.
These unauthorized gambling dens, commonly known as "slaphouses" due to the button-bashing sound created by patrons using the illegal machines, usually surface in areas experiencing retail decline, behind seemingly abandoned storefronts.
Under California law, gambling is permissible for charity events and home poker games, but it is strictly prohibited in organized illegal gambling locations. The gambling industry is highly regulated, with profit-oriented gambling mostly confined to tribal casinos, card rooms, horse racing, and the state lottery.
While illegal gambling is classified as a misdemeanor under California law, these clandestine gambling establishments are typically managed by criminals linked to violence, drugs, and gang activities.
It is worth noting that there has been a significant increase in the number of underground gambling dens in California in recent years.
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