An unlicensed gambling business that was brazenly set up at a busy shopping area at 801 S, Workman was raided today by the San Fernando Police Department and the state
The operation was set up in a store front, close to a popular supermarket, but had no visible signage. It was easy to drive by without know that it was there.
Only a “For Lease” sign was outside the business which appeared to be thriving likely through “word of mouth”.
With the trademark gambling bells ringing, it was quite busy at the time of the Friday afternoon raid. .
Police arrested one person and detained many customers
Customers told the San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol that those who ran the business reassured them that the games were a “legal lottery.”
The raid was conducted jointly with the California Department of Justice Gaming Unit and the City of San Fernando Police Department. Police Chief Tony Vairo said after investigating this operation over recent months,they obtained a search warrant.
They arrested one person and detained several customers.
“It was a pretty sophisticated operation and quite a set up that they had,” Vairo said..
“We seized 50 gambling stations, computers, equipment and currency. We collected a lot of evidence. We also had code enforcement come in and we were able to shut them down. We want to make sure that they aren’t coming back.”
The investigation Vairo said, is ongoing. He said that it is challenging for the state to keep up with businesses like these that pop up.
“At this point in time in our state, these kinds of businesses are definitely illegal.”