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The headlines coming out of Houston read like a made-for-Netflix crime drama. And once you read the details of the story, it becomes even crazier than that, believe it or not!
A years-long investigation has officially blown the lid off one of the largest illegal gambling networks in Texas history. You’re going to want to keep on reading this article to get the complete story — as it’s being alleged, no one has been tried and convicted quite yet (but there’s strong evidence anyway).
16 Indicted, $9 Million Seized In Sting
Earlier this month, Texas deployed hundreds of officers to raid 30 game rooms they believed were illegally operating. Remember, there is no legal betting in Texas — more on that later on. The raid was successful as they unearthed 2,000 slot machines and over $9 million in assets seized ($4.5 million in cash, plus $5 million in property and vehicles) — all quietly operating in neighborhoods across the Houston metro area. Authorities say the money was funneled through shell companies, hidden in property and vehicles, and laundered through various fronts.
This was no one-off sting either. Officials said it was a result of five years of surveillance, wiretaps, and undercover work.
At the center of the case is Nizar Ali, a Richmond, Texas businessman who prosecutors allege masterminded the entire network. According to court documents, Ali operated illegal gambling parlors disguised as game rooms that raked in upwards of $22 million over the past five years. The rooms spanned across Houston-area suburbs — including Nassau Bay, Jersey Village, Missouri City, and Baytown.
Ali, along with 15 others, now faces a laundry list of federal charges: conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, money laundering conspiracy — and in Ali’s case, bribery. Prosecutors say he offered more than $500,000 to an undercover officer to suppress law enforcement pressure. See? Didn’t we say this was crazier than Netflix? Told ya!
Here’s a list of the other Texas residents who are facing charges in connection with the alleged gambling operation:
- Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond
- Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg
- Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land
- Yolanda Figueroa, 40, of Pasadena
- Viviana Alvarado, 45, of LaPorte
- Anabel Eloisa Guevarra (46), Precela Solis (27) Maria Delarosa (53), Claudia Calderon (37), Lucia Hernandez 34), all of Houston
Most the accused are of Pakistan origin, if that matters at all.
This Isn’t Houston’s First Rodeo
Houston is world-known for rodeos — specifically the city’s Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is the biggest in the world. But at this rate, the city might become affiliated with illegal gambling rings too.
That’s because Houston’s illegal gambling scene has made headlines before. Back in 2016, another large-scale crackdown led to the arrest of 12 people connected to a similar network of game rooms and bingo halls. Those raids also turned up firearms, stacks of cash, and plenty of evidence showing these operations weren’t just for friendly wagers.
The difference now? This most recent bust is bigger, better organized, and more financially ambitious. So much so that the issue went to the U.S. Justice Department — at the federal level, not just Texas. Nicholas Ganjei, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, said the operation was “sophisticated in its design and its operation.”
As part of that, authorities allege that Ali made efforts to keep the operation secret by requiring memberships to access his game rooms — like some exclusive club behind closed doors. He also didn’t manage the daily grind himself. Instead, he’s accused of hiring managers and other employees to run the show, keeping himself at what officials described as an “arm’s length” from the actual business. Smart guy, eh, well, besides the bribing part.
Texas Has A Gambling Issue
The latest takedown shines a light on a much broader issue. As mentioned, there is no legal betting market in Texas — neither for casino nor sports betting. The Lone Star State isn’t budging on the issue either, as lawmakers have repeatedly stressed they’re not interested in legalizing resort casinos (advocated by the Dallas Mavericks owners) or top mobile betting apps.
Obviously, those strict policies are fueling the underground betting market. Not just with the two cases in Houston, but also offshore betting. It’s believed that billions of dollars are flowing to offshore betting sites. That’s money that could be taxed and put to good use in Texas if legalized, but alas, no cigar.
There’s also the public safety factor. Game rooms like these often attract more than just bettors — they can become hotbeds for other crimes, from money laundering to sex trafficking to violence. In a way, it’s a “gateway drug” to other problems.
So where does Texas go from here? Law enforcement will keep up the pressure, but there’s also room for a bigger conversation. Could legalization — and regulation — of some forms of gambling help curb the growth of these underground rings? It’s a debate worth having. One thing’s for sure: this latest bust won’t be the last in the state of Texas.
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