Houston police say an undercover investigation into illegal gambling led to a SWAT raid at a social club in southwest Houston on Wednesday night.
According to Lt. Larry Crowson with the Houston Police Department, officers executed a search and arrest warrant at Lucky J Social Club at 9371 Richmond Ave. after months of complaints from nearby residents about suspected illegal gambling and other activity.
Investigators with HPD’s vice division were later sent undercover into the club multiple times and determined illegal gambling was taking place inside, according to Crowson.
Police said the club typically kept its doors locked and employed armed security guards, prompting the department to use its SWAT team to execute the warrant.
Authorities said roughly 80 to 90 people were inside the business when officers entered. Crowson said the warrant was served without incident, and no injuries were reported.
Police initially said four to five people were detained during the operation. In a later social media update, HPD said three individuals were arrested on gambling promotion charges.
“It appears to be a social club that has gambling in there,” Crowson said.
Investigators said the operation involved gaming tables and card games rather than slot-style machines. Officers also found chips and what appeared to be a cashier’s booth where money was exchanged.
“So, pretty much a bona fide gambling,” Crowson said. “That’s what it appears.”
In its social media update, HPD said officers seized $351,923 in cash during the raid, along with other evidence connected to the gambling investigation.
Police also said citations were issued for building, fire code and health violations at the business.
Vice investigators remained at the scene Wednesday night, collecting gambling paraphernalia and money believed to be connected to the operation.
According to HPD, officers from the department’s Vice Division, SWAT, Midwest CST, and DRT units from the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast divisions participated in the operation.
“Through proactive enforcement, neighborhood partnerships, and focused policing efforts, HPD will continue to target illegal activity which impacts the safety, peace, and well-being of our neighborhoods,” the department said in the social media post.
Police have not released the identities of those arrested.
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