PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) – Police seized thousands of dollars and dozens of machines during a recent crackdown on illegal gambling in Pueblo.
Spearheaded by the Pueblo Police Department, City Council passed an ordinance in the spring making operating a gambling facility in Pueblo a municipal violation.
“Pueblo police noted a decrease in quality of life and increase in crime due to several illegal gambling establishments in the city. As a result, the police department brought these issues to the attention of Mayor [Heather] Graham,” the police department said of what led up to the ordinance.
Monday, four businesses suspected of gambling got a visit from Pueblo police:
320 West Northern Ave.
1103 North Elizabeth St.
1722 South Prairie Ave.
303 East Northern Ave.
Officers recovered $20,000 and took a combined 62 gambling machines from the businesses as evidence.
“Many of the machines seized replicate those commonly used in towns where gambling is legalized in Colorado, which are Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City,” police said.
Eleven people were cited for engaging in gambling, possession of a gambling device, gambling premise and electronic gambling. Because operating a gambling establishment is now a city violation, these people will be charged in municipal court.
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