San José police say they hit the jackpot today, but not the kind anyone wanted. A coordinated citywide sweep targeted illegal gambling operations, with officers serving search warrants at suspected underground casinos and hauling away dozens of machines as part of a broader effort to disrupt crime tied to secret gaming dens.
According to the department, detectives from the Special Operations Division and the Vice Unit served warrants at several commercial and residential locations across the city, including properties in the 1800 block of Alum Rock Avenue, the 3800 block of Monterey Road, the 4300 block of Alum Rock Avenue and the 200 block of Senter Road. In total, detectives arrested 13 people and seized 45 operational gaming machines, narcotics and more than $3,000 in cash. The sweep was designed to identify and dismantle illegal gambling operations citywide in coordination with code enforcement and other partners, the department said in a press release shared via San José Police Media Relations.
SJPD Conducts Coordinated Enforcement Operation Targeting Illegal Gambling Establishmentshttps://t.co/Qe1OpaH8pr pic.twitter.com/lc9cQYlUVw
— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) April 30, 2026
Police warned that illegal gambling "often attract violence, fraud, and organized criminal activity" and reminded property owners that they can face administrative fines of up to $500,000 through code enforcement if they allow illicit businesses to operate. Chief Paul Joseph called the operation a reflection of SJPD's commitment to pursue those who operate outside the law and threaten neighborhood safety, while Mayor Matt Mahan said shutting illegal operations down sends a clear message about the city's stance. City Manager Jennifer Maguire added that the city is aligning resources to identify, disrupt and shut down illicit establishments, according to the same release from San José Police Media Relations.
Connection to a downtown double homicide
The department's release also referenced a March double homicide inside an alleged clandestine gambling establishment on Santa Clara Street, saying recent violence in those settings helped drive the latest enforcement push. Local coverage of the March killings reported that two men were found shot inside a downtown commercial building and described investigators canvassing neighbors and collecting evidence at the scene. KTVU reported on the double homicide and the ongoing investigation.
Past crackdowns and neighborhood impact
San José police point to earlier large-scale raids that uncovered machines, drugs and weapons and say the latest sweep continues a pattern of enforcement against underground casinos. In 2023, the department shut down multiple underground casinos and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash along with dozens of machines, while Bay City News Service reporting described an unrelated January discovery of a suspected gambling site in the Alum Rock corridor. The San José Police Department and SFGATE provide reporting on those cases.
How residents can report tips
Police are urging anyone with information about illegal gambling to submit tips anonymously through the P3TIPS mobile app, call the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or contact Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers. Detectives say community reports have been central to identifying problem locations and that the department plans to continue coordinated enforcement paired with code actions. NBC Bay Area and department notices detail the tip options and reward program.
Detectives arrested 13 people during the sweep, and the department has not yet released booking details or specific charges. Cases are expected to be forwarded to the Santa Clara County District Attorney for review. Officials say the combined criminal and administrative approach, from arrests to code enforcement, is intended to remove hubs of criminal enterprise and restore safety to affected neighborhoods.
