On October 23, 2024, the Bryan Police Department’s Directed Deployment Team (DDT) launched a significant operation against illegal gambling in Bryan, Texas, following several citizen complaints. The operation involved the execution of eight evidentiary search warrants at various local convenience stores suspected of hosting illegal gambling activities.
The investigation was initiated by the DDT after receiving multiple complaints from concerned citizens. To gather evidence, undercover officers were deployed to the implicated stores. These officers successfully confirmed that illegal gambling offenses were occurring, leading to the issuance of search warrants for the offense of “Keeping a Gambling Place.”
During the raids, law enforcement officers seized a total of twenty-six “8-liner” gambling machines and eight pay-out machines. Additionally, $64,446 in U.S. currency was confiscated from these machines. A property hearing is scheduled to determine the fate of the seized money.
While owning an “8-liner” machine is not illegal per se, using these machines for gambling purposes, especially for monetary payouts, constitutes a legal violation under the definition of “Keeping a Gambling Place.” This term encompasses any location where gambling devices are operated and where bets are made or settled.
The Bryan Police Department, along with multiple internal units and assistance from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, conducted the operation. No arrests have been made as of yet; however, the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Officer Seth Waller, Public Information Officer for the Bryan Police Department, stated that the department is committed to addressing all forms of illegal gambling to ensure community safety and compliance with state gambling laws.
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