Texas Game Room Owner Arrested a Month After Illegal Gambling Police Raid

Carrie Vera Gutierrez, the owner of a gaming room located on the North Side of Bexar County, Texas, which was raided almost a month ago in connection with the “Blessed Sweepstakes” illegal gambling raid, has been arrested and is facing a state felony charge.

Texas Owner of Blessed Sweepstakes Arrested

The arrest follows a raid by BCSO deputies on March 31 at a business called Blessed Sweepstakes, where investigators shut down what they described as an illegal gambling operation. During the raid, three employees – Anthony Vera, 51, Alissa Arenas, 23, and Kambry Ybarra, 27 = were arrested on related charges, while eight others received citations.

The sheriff’s office stated that the operation was illegal because winners of the games were given beads with a specific cash value, which could then be exchanged for US dollars. Investigators explained that this indirect payout system still violates Texas law, as it constitutes both the promotion of gambling and operating a gambling establishment.

According to court records, during the search, deputies confiscated around 50 video slot machines, $5,445 in cash, and various gambling equipment and paraphernalia. The affidavit notes that Gutierrez was not at the location during the search. She was arrested on Friday and has since been released on bond, according to jail records.

Records indicate that Gutierrez is facing four charges: engaging in organized criminal activity, possession of a gambling device/equipment/paraphernalia, gambling promotion, and keeping a gambling place. The first of these is a state felony, while the other three charges are classified as Class A misdemeanors.

Is Gambling in Texas Legal?

Texas has had a somewhat difficult relationship with gambling, as most forms of it are illegal, hence why authorities had to arrest Gutierrez. However, it seems that she wasn’t aware that she was doing anything illegal. She previously told media that she believed her business was operating legally, noting that city officials were aware of the operation and that she had obtained a certificate of occupancy.

While gambling, apart from some specific cases, still remains illegal in the state, there have been multiple attempts to expand the practice. However, recent debates on gambling have been at a standstill as Texas Governor Greg Abbott hesitates to endorse casino expansion, as critics raise concerns of the potential negative effects of gaming, such as addiction and sports integrity.

Until (or even if) gambling is further expanded in the state, Texans who want to gamble will have to make do with the Texas Lottery, parimutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing, various raffles, and the state’s three Native American casinos.

Speaking of the Texas Lottery, recently, one lucky player won $2 million from a Powerball drawing.