Texas Gambling Dens Allegedly Paid Winners in Pokémon Cards

A suspected illegal gambling network in San Antonio, Texas, allegedly paid winners in Pokémon and sports trading cards. These could be exchanged for cash at a neighboring business, according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. Deputies raided seven game rooms before dawn Wednesday (Nov.), detaining 23 people and seizing an estimated 500 to 600 gambling machines. The venues allegedly operated under a common umbrella known as “777.” Of those detained, 13 were expected to be jailed on charges or outstanding warrants involving illegal gambling, organized criminal activity, or drug offenses.