The alarm went off in a building on Lidwell Street. Patrol arrived quickly — the area often sees break-ins. Officers began inspecting the premises and noticed a man moving across the rooftops toward the next block. The chase didn’t last long. The suspect disappeared into one of the rooms, and that’s when everything started.
The building had been converted into an illegal casino. According to police, there were slot machines, chips, surveillance cameras, and even security by the door. Everything looked like a full-fledged gambling hall — just without signage or a license. Dozens of people were inside. Some were playing, some just watching, and some, apparently, were working.
A few claimed they had just come for fun. According to them, the machines looked like the regular games you find at family restaurants. But the police have a different take: the place was clearly set up to make money.
Many were detained. Police haven’t disclosed the exact number, but it’s said to be several dozen. Melissa Cruz was one of the first on the scene. She stated there was no casino, just adults having fun. She mentioned arcade machines like the ones at Chuck E. Cheese — just without the kids.
Another woman, who identified herself as Cheyenne, said she received a summons just for being there. She claimed she wasn’t gambling, just dropped in briefly. Police say there were no clear roles — everyone was mixed in: customers, staff, and random visitors.
Interestingly, the place drew such a crowd even though most modern gamblers prefer playing online. Despite their unofficial status, online casinos operate freely in California and are gaining popularity. And it’s not just because of the wide range of games you can access from home — it’s also the constant promotions. These include no-deposit bonuses that you can get now using your phone or computer after a simple and fast registration. It’s no surprise that this kind of offer attracts even people who never cared for gambling before.
What will happen to those detained is still unclear. Some have been issued summons, others are awaiting questioning. There is no official information yet on the number of arrests or the list of potential charges. The investigation continues. Authorities are trying to determine who was behind the casino setup, where the equipment came from, and where the money was going.