California continues fight against illegal gambling

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Law enforcement across California continues to combat illegal gambling, with officers from the Oxnard Police Department cracking down on illegal online gambling operations located in local retail shops.

Multiple businesses are under investigation

Announced late last week, the police operation targeted illegal online gambling venues located within legitimate retail businesses, including shops, throughout the city. Law enforcement actions follow months-long investigation, which identified what the Oxnard Police Department described as multiple businesses, allegedly involved in illegal online gambling. Those venues, while operating as legitimate retail businesses, helped facilitate unlawful gambling activities via internet-based devices, a press release by law enforcement explains. The Oxnard Police Department did not disclose details about the locations of each of the suspected illegal gambling establishments, nor disclosed information about potential arrests, cash or gambling equipment seizure. Still, law enforcement said that investigators are pursuing charges on violations of statutes California Penal Code 337 (a) related to Bookmaking and Pool Selling, as well as California Penal Code 330, related to Illegal Gambling. Under California’s laws on Bookmaking and Pool Selling, individuals are prohibited from engaging or facilitating betting operations, and this includes online gambling and wagering platforms. Usually, such charges are classified as misdemeanors but in cases of large-scale operations, a person may face felony charges that are punishable by prison time and significant fines. On the other hand, crimes violating California’s Illegal Gambling laws are typically seen as misdemeanors. Usually, individuals found guilty on such charges may receive sentences of up to six months in jail, along with a fine of up to $1,000. A spokesperson for the Oxnard Police Department recognized the negative impact of illegal gambling. Illegal gambling operations undermine legitimate businesses and expose our community to broader criminal activity, the spokesperson said. Moreover, they pointed out: We are committed to holding violators accountable and maintaining safe commercial corridors.