Police in Gadsden, Alabama Continue Illegal Gambling Crackdown

Last week, law enforcement in Gadsden, Alabama conducted a large-scale operation against illegal gambling. Led by the Gadsden Police Department’s Street Crime Unit, “Operation Jackpot” resulted in the seizure of $20,000 in cash, as well as 88 illegal gambling devices.

Sgt. Jacob Entrekin who is a part of the Police’s Street Crime Unit, said that the efforts against unlawful gambling and other criminal activities will not stop. “Go ahead and pack up, take your stuff somewhere else because it’s not welcomed here,” he said at the time, warning that any illegal establishments in Gadsden are ultimately going to be shut down.

During the weekend, law enforcement continued Operation Jackpot with more raids at different locations across the city, as announced by a report released by WBRC. During the most recent raids, the Street Crimes Unit seized 15 illegal gambling devices. Moreover, law enforcement seized $10,000 in cash, as well as one vehicle.

The operation against illegal gambling was conducted in gas stations and other businesses across the city. It is unclear whether arrests were made in relation to the most recent chapter of Operation Jackpot.

The Gadsden Police Department Sgt. Dusty Ford spoke about the criticism law enforcement is facing from some residents who consider that gambling should be legal. He responded that gambling remains illegal across Alabama and unless lawmakers legalize the activity, law enforcement will continue the fight against such establishments.

The Fight Against Illegal Gambling Helps Prevent Other Crimes

Sgt. Ford added that law enforcement acted upon tips from community members, who complained about the impact of illegal gambling dens. He said that recently a shooting had taken place at one illegal gambling venue.

Sgt. Ford outlined: “This is a small, concerted effort towards one operation alone. The members of the street crimes unit have actually made multiple drug arrests in the meantime, from the kickoff of this even all the way through, this isn’t the only thing they’re doing or dedicated too.”

He spoke about the importance of combatting illegal gambling even in cases where there are several machines. This is because illegal gambling is often tied to other criminal activities, including but not limited to shootings, robberies, drug distribution and prostitution. “If we can stamp it out on a smaller level it prevents from having to deal with things on a bigger level like the shootings and murder and stuff of that nature,” added Sgt. Ford.

Besides serving as a hot spot for other unlawful activities, illegal gambling dens also generate revenue that isn’t taxed in any way. In states where casino gambling is legal, proceeds from tax revenue benefit different education or state programs, while a portion is also set aside for treating problem gambling.