PPD seizes $20,000 in illegal gambling investigation

(PUEBLO, Colorado) – The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) reported Monday, July 15, that it executed search warrants on local businesses involved in illegal gambling in the City of Pueblo.

According to PPD, there has been a recent decrease in crime and an increase in crime due to several illegal gambling establishments in the city.

On Monday, July 15, the Pueblo Police Department’s Special Investigations Division executed five search warrants on local businesses involved in illegal gambling in the City of Pueblo. The business addresses were 320 West Northern Avenue, 1103 North Elizabeth Street, 1722 South Prairie Avenue, and 303 East Northern Avenue.

These charges were brought after the council passed an ordinance making it illegal to operate these machines. PPD brought these issues to the attention of Mayor Heather Graham, who signed the law making it illegal to operate these establishments in May 2024. Anyone who violates the law can be charged in municipal court.

In total, 11 people were charged under the new city ordinance with participating in gambling, possession of a gambling device, gambling establishment and electronic gambling. Approximately $20,000 and 62 gambling machines were seized as evidence.

Many of the machines seized were replicas of those commonly used in Colorado cities where gambling is legal, namely Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City.