GALVESTON — Four people have been arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity following a months-long investigation into suspected illegal gambling operations involving electronic eight-liner machines, Galveston Police Chief Douglas Balli announced Thursday.

Authorities executed 21 search and arrest warrants across Galveston County on Oct. 29, targeting businesses and other locations connected to the investigation. Police have seized more than $2 million in U.S. currency, although the final amount remains undetermined as investigators continue processing evidence.

The investigation began in June after the Galveston Police Department received a Crime Stoppers tip about suspected illegal gambling in the community. The department’s vice and narcotics division launched an investigation several days later and continued gathering evidence over the following months.

“We will share information when we can,” Balli said, noting that the investigation remains active.

The four individuals arrested were each reported to have bonds set at $250,000.

Investigation Involved 14 Businesses

The operation included searches at 14 businesses and four residences, along with additional locations, including banks. Balli said some businesses had multiple buildings, resulting in additional search warrants.

Authorities have not released all the business names, and Balli said investigators would not disclose the residential addresses.

Between 40 and 50 law enforcement personnel participated in the operation, according to Balli.

The Galveston Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, the Galveston County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Balli confirmed that a storage unit contained a large amount of cash. Investigators were still counting money and documenting evidence following the operation.

No illegal narcotics were recovered, Balli said. However, he cautioned that the investigation is ongoing and that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about whether other organized criminal activity was involved.

Officials Warn Against Cash Payouts

District Attorney Kenneth Cusick praised the police department’s investigative work and said his office would continue the process of prosecuting the cases and pursuing asset forfeiture where appropriate.

“This is a continuing effort in the county,” Cusick said, referring to previous enforcement actions involving eight-liner machines in Hitchcock and La Marque.

Cusick said there have been multiple convictions stemming from previous cases, although those proceedings remain ongoing.

Balli said the current investigation grew from tips about suspected illegal gambling at establishments owned or operated by a particular individual identified during the investigation. Authorities subsequently followed evidence to other establishments connected to the case.

The chief encouraged businesses operating eight-liner machines with cash payouts in Galveston to stop the practice.

“If you’re operating eight liners in the city of Galveston paying out the proceeds or the winnings, I would highly recommend you stop doing that,” Balli said.

Cusick explained that gambling involves games of chance in which money can be awarded as a prize. He said the operations under investigation involved cash payouts that authorities believe violate the law.

Balli emphasized that the investigation was driven by specific tips and evidence rather than a broad effort to target every business operating similar machines.

He also stressed the importance of distinguishing suspected illegal activity from legitimate businesses operating in the community.

“Our community is filled with legitimate business owners who are doing their best to provide services and hospitality for our community and for our residents and visitors,” Balli said. “And so it’s unfair to them to leave these complaints unchecked.”

Cash to Remain Evidence

The more than $2 million seized will be logged and secured as evidence while the investigation and legal proceedings continue. Balli said the courts will ultimately determine the disposition of the seized assets.

The Galveston Police Department credited Crime Stoppers and members of the public for providing information that helped investigators develop the case.

Cusick encouraged residents to continue reporting suspected criminal activity, saying law enforcement agencies cannot be everywhere at once.

Both officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released when appropriate.