El Patron Sweepstakes Gameroom was raided Thursday by the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotic and Vice Investigations Division, leading to an arrest and citations.
A search warrant was issued to inspect the property, located at 4601 S. Padre Island Drive, following a months-long investigation into the business to uncover further evidence of illegal gambling.
El Patron was previously robbed in March.
Detectives found and seized multiple illegal gambling devices and more than $25,000 in cash.
El Patron Sweepstakes Gameroom, located at 4601 S. Padre Island Drive, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Saturday, November 23, 2024.
One employee was arrested and charged with gambling promotion, operating a gambling venue, possessing a gambling device and participating in organized criminal activity. Engaging in organized criminal activity is a state prison felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges and arrests are possible.
All gaming rooms that pay out cash rewards are engaged in illegal gambling. Both clients and branch management can be prosecuted.
RELATED COVERAGE
More: ‘Largest in recent memory’: Corpus Christi game room raids indicate impending license enforcement
More: Man died after ‘intentionally’ running into oncoming traffic in Corpus Christi on Friday
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Raid at El Patron Sweepstakes Gameroom Leads to Arrest, Citations
