Houston police conducted a SWAT raid on the Lucky J Social Club on Richmond Avenue following undercover investigations into illegal gambling activities.
HOUSTON — Houston police say an undercover investigation into illegal gambling led to a SWAT raid at a social club in southwest Houston Wednesday night.
According to Lt. Larry Crowson with the Houston Police Department, officers executed a search and arrest warrant at Lucky J Social Club on Richmond Avenue after months of complaints from nearby residents about suspected illegal gambling and other activity.
Investigators with HPD’s vice division were later sent undercover into the club multiple times and determined illegal gambling was taking place inside, according to Crowson.
Police said the club typically kept its doors locked and employed armed security guards, prompting the department to use its SWAT team to execute the warrant.
Authorities said roughly 80 to 90 people were inside the business when officers entered. Crowson said the warrant was served without incident, and no injuries were reported.
Police detained four to five people, who investigators believe were employees involved in operating the gambling activities.
“It appears to be a social club that has gambling in there,” Crowson said.
Investigators said the operation involved gaming tables and card games rather than slot-style machines. Officers also found chips and what appeared to be a cashier’s booth where money was exchanged.
“So, pretty much a bona fide gambling,” Crowson said. “That’s what it appears.”
Vice investigators remained at the scene Wednesday night, collecting gambling paraphernalia and money believed to be connected to the operation.
Police have not released the identities of those detained, and it is unclear what charges they may face.
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