Over the last several months, the CSPD Metro Division has investigated and served several search and seizure warrants to numerous illegal gambling establishments across the city.
Earlier this year, investigators with the CSPD Metro Division were notified of at least 34 illegal gambling locations around the city. Investigators then began an educational campaign, providing the business owners with a letter informing them that their operation was illegal. At that point, most of these establishments voluntarily shut down, but several continued operations.
As the Metro Division continued its investigation, in April & May of 2023, they obtained warrants to search four establishments still in operation and seized any illegal gambling machines on site. Throughout those processes, CSPD seized various evidence items in relation to the illegal gambling operations including approximately 130 pieces of electronic hardware used to operate the illegal gambling machines from these four different businesses.
In November 2023, Metro Division Investigators were informed that several of these businesses had reopened. They obtained additional warrants for these businesses and seized over 120 illegal gambling machines.
CRS 18-10-107 outlines that the owner, lessee, agent, employee, operator, or occupant who knowingly maintains, aids, or permits the maintenance of gambling premises commits the law violation of maintaining a gambling premise. Gambling premises are considered common nuisances and are subject to State of Colorado abatement laws.
These establishments can have a significant negative impact on the community, not just those patronizing them. CSPD wants to combat the additional crime that statistically follows illegal gambling, including violent crimes and narcotics crimes. By increasing the enforcement of gaming laws and shutting down illegal businesses, CSPD is also trying to impact the additional crime patterns occurring in the same areas.
If you know of or want to report an illegal gambling establishment, please get in touch with CSPD at 719-444-7000.