The ingenuity of criminals sometimes goes beyond all acceptable limits. Especially when it comes to gambling. Here are five truly crazy ideas for underground casinos in different countries.
Studio in the USA
In October 2020, police in the Californian city of San Diego discovered an underground casino right in one of the shopping centers. Law enforcement agencies confirmed the presence of slot machines hidden in one of the studios. The criminals also kept drugs and a small amount of cash there.
This store was called KT Alterations & Gifts and, according to the FBI, during one of the raids, 16 slot machines, drugs, meth pipes and about $1,700 hidden in a plasterboard wall were found there.
Cheese shop in Spain
This rather popular story took place in one of the grocery stores in the Spanish city of Alicante. The police found an illegal poker room there, hidden right behind a display case with wine and cheese. A display case on the wall led to a secret door and a secret room, where they also found cash and cocaine. It is noteworthy that the organizer of such a business violated not only the law on private poker games, which are prohibited in Spain, but also the rules of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read also: Spanish Authorities Want to Ban Loot Boxes in Video Games.
A mansion in Canada
The Canadian police were even luckier: they exposed an entire mansion with a total area of more than 6,000 square meters, which was used as an illegal gambling house. This illegal establishment also operated during the COVID-19 pandemic, while licensed casinos were supposed to remain closed. The underground casino with gaming tables and slot machines was located in the basement, and there was nothing unusual in the upper part of the house.
Among other things, law enforcement officers found a full-fledged spa, 10 million Canadian dollars, firearms and alcohol in the illegal casino. The mansion also contained shark fins, which were used to make soup.
London “Spiels”
In addition to many tourist attractions, London is known for its expensive casinos, where users from all over the world play completely legally.
However, in less prosperous parts of the city, so-called “Spiels” are common – illegal gambling establishments aimed at criminals and other marginalized groups of the population. The word “Spiel” in English is borrowed from German, and it means “game”. The history of London “Spiels” dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and, as a rule, such illegal establishments are located in inconspicuous alleys, offices and cafes of the British capital.
The owners of some “Spiels” even manage to advertise their services and avoid prosecution due to the fact that their guilt is difficult to prove.
Read also: The Largest Casino in Las Vegas.
Secret Elevator in Kyiv
And the last illegal casino from our selection, which was discovered several years ago in the Ukrainian capital. Local law enforcement officers suspected illegal gambling activities in the premises of a shopping and office center on Bolshaya Vasilkovskaya Street. As it turned out, there was an elite casino there, which could be accessed using a special magnetic key for a secret elevator.
After conducting searches, the police seized gaming equipment, more than $100 thousand dollars, weapons and ammunition in the casino premises and in the places where the organizers lived. Did you find the news interesting and informative? Want more of the gambling news online and stay updated on the events? Get the latest updates on gambling in the US, UK, and beyond – check global casino news. Subscribe to our ‘Gambling News’ section and receive notifications about fresh publications.
