(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) said 62 illegal gambling machines were seized and 11 people cited under a 2024 city ordinance.
According to PPD, its agency had noticed an increase in crime in areas of the city due to illegal gambling establishments and brought the issue to the attention of Mayor Heather Graham in 2024. Mayor Graham drafted an ordinance making the operation of these establishments a municipal violation, and the ordinance was passed by Pueblo City Council on May 14, 2024.
As a result of the ordinance, PPD said its Special Investigations Division executed five search warrants in July 2024 on local businesses involved in the operation of of illegal gambling:
320 West Northern Avenue
1103 North Elizabeth Street
1722 South Prairie Avenue
303 East Northern Avenue
As a result, PPD said approximately $20,000 dollars was seized as evidence along with 62 gambling machines. Many of the machines seized replicate those commonly used in towns where gambling is legalized in Colorado, like Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City.
Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department
Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department
Also during the operation, PPD said 11 people were cited under the city ordinance for:
Engaging In Gambling
Possession of A Gambling Device
Gambling Premise
Electronic Gambling
Between July 2024 and January 2025, PPD said all involved have either been found guilty or have plead guilty to illegal gambling. The machines were deemed illegal to possess and were scheduled for destruction. Investigations into other illegal gambling establishments are ongoing, PPD said.
