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Operation Bishop Cites Patrons at Brownsville Arcade, Community Assists with Raids
- Updated: July 12, 2013
Authorities cited more than 20 patrons at an illegal 8-liner business found with a fake storefront on the 1000 block of Mackintosh Drive in Brownsville. Photo: Cameron County District Attorney’s Office
The hot, smoky and poorly-ventilated building, located at 1050 Mackintosh Drive, Suite 5, had 55 machines. Patron citations are a class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $200. No arrests were made, but some may follow.
“The fact that this 8-liner establishment was operating in a building believed to be a karate business tells us that owners are doing everything they can to hide their illegal activity,” District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said. “Regardless of where these businesses hide, we know where they are thanks to intelligence we continue to receive from the community.”
The District Attorney’s Office has received numerous calls about 8-liner businesses moving into private residences and hotels. Investigators have confirmed illegal 8-liner businesses in Brownsville, Santa Maria, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel and South Padre Island homes and two Brownsville hotels.
“Operation Bishop will raid visit the homes and hotels,” D.A. Saenz said. “Again, be advised that your home and property will be forfeited if it’s being used for illegal activity.”
According to state law and the Attorney General, eight-liner and sweepstakes businesses that give cash prizes of $5 or more, even if some or all proceeds benefit a non-profit/charity, are deemed an illegal-gambling operation. It is estimated that the eight-liner/sweepstakes industry generates at least $300 million annually. The money is known to leave the County and even Texas.
Operation Bishop – the culmination of an 18-month criminal investigation of illegal gambling in Cameron County – began raids of illegally operated eight-liner and sweepstakes businesses in April.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz leads the Operation and credits the joint efforts of law enforcement and municipalities for its continued success. It is the first operation of its kind in terms of number of agencies working together to curtail what is known as a criminal epidemic in Cameron County.
