CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Thirteen employees were arrested Wednesday and more than 80 people were cited during a police operation at two separate Primetime gameroom locations.
Primetime is located on Saratoga Boulevard and Primetime 777 is located at Oakhurst Drive.
CCPD said its narcotics and vice investigation units served search warrants at the two locations.
A monthlong investigation led to the confiscation of gambling equipment, $370,000 in cash and more.
"You go to a swimming pool to go swim,” said Corpus Christi Police Lt. Michael Peña said. “You go to a gambling establishment to go gamble. It's an illegal establishment."
Some of the suspects who were arrested could spend up to two years in jail.
Gameroom regulations went into place at the beginning of Jan. 3, forcing them to have a permit to operate, among other guidelines. However, police told 3NEWS when the regulations went into effect that there are certain offenses a permit can't protect gameroom operators from.
“Having a permit does not excuse you from engaging in illegal gambling and you can still be arrested and charged with multiple crimes,” said Corpus Christi Police Department assistant chief Todd Green in January.
Thursday, CCPD warned that paying out cash rewards that can be immediately redeemed qualifies as illegal gambling, and that both employees and participants alike can face criminal charges.
Further updates will come pending investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back with 3NEWS at kiiitv.com