Local News

Police in Palestine, Texas Cracking Down on Illegal Gaming Rooms

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Palestine Police have been gearing up for a month to crack down on illegal gaming rooms in the area. The Palestine Herald writes that last week, police “…seized thousands of dollars in cash and more than 150 computers and gaming machines from Dee’s Internet and Computing, 301 E. Palestine Ave.; Blow Vapor Zone, 300 E. Palestine Ave.; and J&R Gaming, 515 McNeil.”

As the news explains, gaming and slot machines can be legal in Texas if they give away non-cash prizes (like an arcade), but many illegal gaming facilities were going unchecked in the Palestine area for a while until Police Chief Andy Harvey took office in August.

Harvey has taken a stand on illegal gaming facilities since he sees them as epicenters of crime that spawn robberies and violent acts. “It would have been only a matter of time before someone came in here with a shotgun, robbing the place,” he said about a tucked away game room that was well off of any main roads.

KLTV writes that investigations will continue even though the biggest illegal gaming establishments have already been hit. “We will continue to be on the lookout, and we know where the other ones are, so if you’re listening, you know what to do,” Chief Harvey stated.