San Diego Police Shut Down Illegal Gambling Den Inside Home

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) busted an alleged illegal gambling den inside a home on June 20, discovering an operation that housed nearly two-dozen illegal gaming machines. The homemade casino destination was located on El Cajon Boulevard in Kensington.

The SDPD’s Vice Unit operated alongside SWAT teams to raid the home, serving a search warrant that stemmed from tips that illegal activity was taking place inside the building.

Related Reads:

• Online Slot Sites - Play 1000s of the Best Slots Games
• Suspected Leader of MGM, Caesars Cyberattacks Arrested

Two Misdemeanor Citations Issued to Gamblers

Police reported that they recovered 23 gambling machines, along with $4,700 in cash, in addition to narcotics and paraphernalia, while serving the warrant.

(Image: SDPD)

According to the police, nine people were inside the house engaging in illegal gambling activities at the time of the operation. Police issued two misdemeanor citations for visiting a gambling den and possession of a controlled substance. Those who weren’t charged were still warned against participating in similar gambling activities going forward.

“All individuals were educated and warned about participating in this illegal activity and that if they are contacted for illegal gambling again, they may be subject to enforcement,” the SDPD Lieutenant told reporters, according to the Times of San Diego. 

Photos from the SDPD appeared to show a number of terminals strewn about the home, with each one labeled “Fast” or “Slow.” One photo showed a machine titled “Life of Luxury,” a title that has been used by multiple manufacturers in the gaming industry, including a slot machine from WMS Gaming.

(Image: SDPD)

Police photos also showed several signs that appeared to set down rules for the establishment. That included a notice that Cash App would not be accepted, and a notice that “we are not responsible for any lost items.”

“No play, no stay,” one notice read. “You have [30 minutes] after playing to leave.”

A scrawled message on a wall noted that the maximum payout was $1,200.

Police, Gaming Industry Continue Fighting Illegal Operators

While police were responding to reports of illegal gambling, Lt. Scott said that the problems of such operations can go far beyond a few machines in a home.

“Illegal gambling dens often attract other criminal activity to the area including narcotics, prostitution, gang-related activity, noise and fighting, and people coming and going at all hours,” Scott told reporters.

The SDPD has made a point of cracking down on illegal gambling in the city in recent years. That includes an investigation in coordination with the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group that led to charging 47 people in federal indictments in 2021.

The issue of unregulated gaming operators goes far beyond San Diego, however. In March, the American Gaming Association announced a campaign to put pressure on illegal gambling throughout the country.

“We’ve declared war on the illegal market, from illegal offshore operators to unregulated, unlicensed machines found in convenience stores, bars, and strip malls,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said during the 2024 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.