More Tyler Gambling Cases Announced

TYLER – More Tyler gambling cases are being reported. Saturday morning, Tyler undercover investigators found five illegal gambling devices at the Valero Gas station at 3801 Chandler Highway. They also found three illegal gambling devices at the gas station on Loop 323 at Commerce Street. They have also announced the arrest of John Christopher Borgstedt, 38, Of Ben Wheeler. He has been accused of running an illegal gambling establishment at 829 Lindsey Lane. He was arrested as officers executed a search warrant. All three cases remain under investigation.

Earlier, it was reported undercover officers seized five illegal gambling machines from the Texaco Station at Paluxy and the Loop. Tyler police spokesman Don Martin says gambling, promoting gambling, possession of gambling devices and keeping a gambling place are illegal in Texas. He said officers will be investigating other locations to determine if their conduct, related to machines, is illegal and in violation of state gambling laws. He said they prefer voluntary compliance with the law. But, if need be, Tyler police will take action to see that businesses are in compliance. That may mean arrest and referring cases to the Smith County District Attorney.

Martin said, due to the recent attention, the police have discovered that some locations have shut down or pulled their machines before they were investigated.