One of the most massive states by population and by geographic size, Texas is known for a variety of pastimes. From football games to the Texas State Fair, there’s something for everyone in this huge state. Alas while there are a bunch of legal pastimes to be pursued, there are also illegal ventures that do pop up as well, especially when it comes to gaming. In this month’s roundup of local news coming from the Lone Star State, a pair of regional arrests highlight how illegal gambling is occuring in the state and also that it is happening more than people think.
Below, SBS takes a closer look at these two incidents and some of the fallout from these occurrences in Texas.
A man from Corpus Christi recently pleaded guilty to conducting an illegal gambling business and also conspiring to steal military equipment according to a recent report from the Caller Times. In a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Nathan Nichols, 46, shared with officials that he indeed was the main operator of an illegal gambling business in Corpus Christi from March 2018 to August 2019. In addition to the illicit nature of this business, Nichols also was charged with conspiring with others to steal sensitive government property from the U.S. Army installation at Ft. Hood in June of 2021.
According to the Caller Times report, Nichols co-owned Theo’s Bar and also an establishment by the name of Lady Luck, both of which housed illegal gaming devices. This includes sweepstakes style games played on computers with monitors rather than casino-style equipment. For this case, Nichols also admitted that he had been in contact with someone who stole military equipment and also requested photographic proof of the property before buying it. Once he had obtained the items, he listed them for sale on eBay. From there, in July of 2021, authorities obtained a warrant to search Nichols’ home, where they found a variety of military grade items from thermal scopes to laser aiming devices.
As part of his plea agreement, Nichols will forfeit about $2.2 million of proceeds from his illegal activity. He also will remain in custody depending on that hearing and could face up to five years in prison for each conviction.
In another story from Corpus Christi, Texas, three men and a woman were arrested following a police raid on an alleged illegal gaming operation at a game room called the Sweetwater Club. According to Casino.org, in addition to the above arrests, 14 players in the game room were issued warnings as well for illegal gambling. Of the four initial arrests, each was charged with gamlbling promotion, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device. If convicted, each count could mean up to a year in prison and/or a $4,000 fine according to Casino.org.
In the report, police seized gambling equipment, two vehicles, and an undisclosed amount of cash. According to Texas gaming law, any prizes given to players cannot exceed 10 times the amount to play the machine for one time. The raid itself was undertaken by the department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division. This investigation was also the result of an anonymous tip made to the police department.
One of the most iconic states in America, Texas, as you can see, has a lot going on. For more information on legal wagering options in the Lone Star State, make sure to peruse our guide on Texas sports wagering. Also, if you are curious on what kind of payment methods are accepted at our partner sportsbooks, we have made it easy for you with our gambling payment options guide. From old favorites like the Visa Card to new options like Ethereum, there are all kinds of ways to make wagers at these sportsbooks that are on the up and up.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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