Authorities raid illegal gambling sites in Pueblo – KRDO – KRDO

Multiple law enforcement agencies raided a group of illegal gambling establishments on March 15, 2017. Photo: Pueblo Police Department

Multiple law enforcement agencies raided a group of illegal gambling establishments on March 15, 2017. Photo: Pueblo Police Department

PUEBLO, Colo. - After months of investigation, several law enforcement agencies raided a group of illegal gambling sites in Pueblo on Wednesday.

Pueblo police narcotics detectives along with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Gaming Agents and the Pueblo County Sheriffs Officeconducted search warrants in the City and the County of Pueblo in regards to illegal gambling establishments.

The investigation began after authorities got several complaints, including the fact that minors were being allowed into the businesses to gamble.

Two of the places under investigation, TableZlocated at 4929 N. Elizabeth and SkillzArcade at 315 N. Santa Fe, were known to use digital and internet gambling games known as "fish games." Investigators with the Pueblo Police Department searched both of them on March 15 and found several guns and gambling items.

A third establishment located in Pueblo West, which was also named TableZ, was searched by the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office on March 15, leading to the discovery of gaming machines guns, and other illegal items.

In a press release issued by the Pueblo Police Department on Wednesday, the following statement was made towards those gambling at these unlicensed sites:

"The public should be aware that the gambling that occurs at these types of establishments is nonregulated. Therefore, none of the protections that are afforded to players at legal gaming sites in Colorado, such as surveillance and tracking of wagers and payouts, are not applicable."

Owners of the two TableZs and Skillz Arcade are facing charges for operating without a city tax license as well as various misdemeanor gambling charges which are being referred to the District Attorneys Office.

While searching the businesses, authorities spoke to seven individuals that were gambling. After further investigation, it was discovered that they were already wanted on unrelated warrants and were immediatelyarrested.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Authorities raid illegal gambling sites in Pueblo - KRDO - KRDO