Raids on game rooms renew debate over proposed eight-liner ban

Raids on game rooms renew debate over proposed eight-liner ban by Phil Sterling Thu, November 5, 2026 at 6:51 PM 10 VIEW ALL PHOTOS The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office shut down seven illegal gambling operations this week. (SBG San Antonio) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: Eight-liner Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Illegal gambling San Antonio Governance committee Loophole Teri Castillo The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office shut down seven illegal gambling operations this week. RELATED | 7 illegal gambling operations raided, 600 machines seized “We do very much consider this to be an organized criminal activity case,” said Sheriff Javier Salazar. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office shut down seven illegal gambling operations this week. (SBG San Antonio) During a raid, investigators found digital slot machines, also known as eight-liners. Similar machines can be found at gas stations across San Antonio. Legal experts say some operators take advantage of a loophole in Texas law that allows certain eight-liners to award small, noncash prizes. The San Antonio Governance Committee is considering a ban on the machines. The issue raised concerns at an October meeting, where Ronnie Baker, sales manager for All Saints Bingo, spoke against the proposal. RELATED | Councilwoman proposes to ban eight-liner slot machines found in gas stations “I’m here to speak about the fact that the state of Texas is under attack,” said Baker. Baker said a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling could send more gaming machines to Texas. “The State of Pennsylvania Supreme Court just outlawed 80,000 sweepstakes and skill-based machines. I received a call, and as I speak to you, they are being packaged up and they are gonna be sent to Texas,” said Baker. At the center of the debate is what’s known as the “fuzzy animal” exception. Councilwoman Teri Castillo says some businesses take advantage of the loophole to bring the machines into their stores, then illegally pay out cash when no one is watching. “What we’re hearing from San Antonio residents is that eight-liner machines are often operating illegally in the City of San Antonio,” said Castillo. Castillo says residents in her district have reported losing significant amounts of money to the machines. She also argues the operations disproportionately target lower-income communities. “It’s attracting vice and other illegal activity within the venue and right outside, within close proximity,” said Castillo. Following this week’s seven raids, Castillo supports a citywide ban. She says it could help close the loophole some operators use to keep the machines in their stores. “It gives us an opportunity to be proactive and provide our public safety officials with support by making a clear line on what is illegal and legal,” said Castillo. The Sheriff’s Office says it relies on complaints to investigate whether the machines are being used illegally. The office also says a ban would help with enforcement. The Governance Committee isn’t expected to revisit the proposed ban for about another month. Trending Night out turns violent as gunfire erupts outside La Cantera-area business Night out turns violent as gunfire erupts outside La Cantera-area business 1 dead, 1 in grave condition after shootout with police at Alamo Ranch San Antonio police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on the far West Side near Lone Star Parkway and Alamo Ranch Parkway. One person is dead, another is hospitalized in critical condition. No officers hurt. Dozens of undelivered ballots found in dumpster at Seattle park The ballots have already been reissued to the affected voters. Eastland family loses control of Camp Mystic A federal bankruptcy judge has stripped the Eastland family of control of Camp Mystic, installing two independent overseers as the camp faces a criminal probe and wrongful-death suits tied to the July 2025 flood. Nearly 32 kilos of suspected cocaine seized in traffic stop; suspect taken into custody A traffic stop along Interstate 10 in Guadalupe County led to the seizure of nearly 32 kilograms of suspected cocaine and the arrest of a Laredo man, according to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.The sheriff’s NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 5 NEW AMBER ALERT: 17-year-old Gabriela Cabrera last seen Friday 3 VIDEO: Police seek suspect accused of striking woman walking her dog near Blue Star Arts 8 San Antonio Mayor pushes for changes to state health care, immigration and housing laws 3 San Antonio Democrats pushing for marijuana legalization