Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioA major gambling bust in southeast Bexar County has exposed another illegal gambling hub in the nationwide battle against unregulated arcades and slot-style machines. On August 26, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Division raided Royal Room 777 on East Southcross Boulevard in San Antonio.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 60 illegal gambling machines and $67,350 in cash. Four employees were arrested on felony charges, while 18 patrons were fined and face misdemeanor gambling counts.
The four arrested include:
- Randy Hinojosa – on-duty gaming attendant
- Jason Garcia – cashier
- Jacqueline Gonzalez – cashier
- Jeannette Zavala – accused of locking doors and alerting others during the raid
Hinojosa, Garcia, and Gonzalez face charges of gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of a gambling paraphernalia device, and gambling-organized crime. Meanwhile, Zavala is also charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution for attempting to obstruct deputies.
Sheriff Javier Salazar told reporters that authorities will look into possible organized crime activities. He said the bust revealed a two-part setup: “One part had the machines where people gamble, on the other part, what seems to be the money side of the operation.”
Salazar emphasized that arcades like Royal Room 777 can operate legally if the prizes are non-cash merchandise. That includes general merchandise, toys, or novelties.
“My rule of thumb, my best advice is just don’t come to these places at all, (because) you just don’t know,” Salazar said.
Illegal Gambling Raids Across U.S. Show National Pattern
The Texas raid mirrors similar recent crackdowns in other states. The cases highlight the persistence of illicit gambling operations posing as sweepstakes or skill arcades.
The highest profile incidents include a $9.5 million gambling ring in Missouri. In June, a federal grand jury indicted nine people who conducted illicit gambling through “skill game” arcades. The defendants siphoned the proceeds through U.S. and Indian bank accounts.
In two separate operations over the past month, Florida authorities seized nearly 700 illegal machines and more than $700,000 in cash. In Cape Coral, local police and the Florida Gaming Control Commission raided six arcades and a residence. They seized $540,000 in cash and 428 devices.
Meanwhile, in Port Richey, authorities confiscated 249 machines and nearly $200,000 in cash from five arcades. They also issued notices to eight suspects.
Earlier this month, in Macomb County, Michigan, police raided a business and two homes, arresting four individuals. They seized 10 illegal gambling machines, three cars, and nearly $17,000 in cash.
The Bigger Picture
From multi-million-dollar laundering schemes in Missouri to rigged slot-style games in Florida strip malls and organized rooms in Texas and Michigan, these raids reflect growing law-enforcement urgency.
While legal casinos and other types of gambling are licensed, regulated, and taxed, underground arcades continue to thrive without any oversight or consumer protections.
For authorities, the challenge is akin to a game of whac-a-mole. Shutdowns often lead to another illegal arcade popping up, usually under a new name.
