Many people asking: How do eight-liners keep opening?
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Nov 2, 2009
Story Updated:
Nov 3, 2009
Local authorities raid another eight-liner establishment and it’s raising concerns since it was re-zoned by City Council not long ago.
Gamblers were still trying to get in at Mystic Amusement after being shut down by authorities. Police raided the establishment and the owner’s home on Sunday afternoon, finding thousands of dollars in cash hidden in different places.
Officers also found guns and ammunition:
"What we did find was basically bags full of money out in plain view at the home when the officer went to serve the arrest warrant."
Officially, the City of Laredo already has 59 eight-liner establishments and the number continues to grow; this after the city began making it easier for these establishments to get their permits.
According to Dr. Michael Landeck, owners pay $250,000 per machine in permits alone:
"We've yet have a substantial amount about a quarter of a million dollars a year for those machines. But if they were legal, we would've gotten sales tax."
But how is it that Mystic Amusement was able to get the area re-zoned just for them to open up a business?
"You cannot discriminate against people. They are innocent until proven guilty. That's the problem. Although we all know what they do, we have to prove it."
According to the District Attorney, these prizes are simple and if the establishment wants to compete, a roll of paper it’s not going to bring in the customers:
"I think it's ridiculous to think that people are willing to go putting in money in these machines to win prizes that are five dollars or less."
Meanwhile there are still two cases pending regarding 8-liners, which were raided in May. District Attorney Isidro Alaniz says the cases are complicated, involving large sums of money:
"With law enforcement concern is to get the people behind the seat ok. Doing it by financial records by reviewing bank records."
And it appears the prolification of these businesses won't end anytime soon. At Monday’s City Council meeting, yet another 8-liner establishment is asking for a zoning change so it can open.
The proposed location for the establishment is in the 1200 block of San Bernardo.
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no brainer said on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 12:40 PM
what the city should do is regulate the percentage of pay out and charge a fee to the establishment that are raping the people specialy people that are retired and don't have any other avenue to entertainment. with as many machines in town that could generate extra revenue
31582699Santos said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 5:27 PM
Our illusterous mayor is FBI, "Fraternal Brotherhood of Idiotas" along with his cohorts on the city council.
31537791why not said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 11:21 AM
do the math here 250 X 240 machines = 60k just for the permit to operate. ex F.B.I and no red flags here no wonder he is ex F.B.I. stop issuing permits or better yet limit these rooms to 75 machines or less !!!!
31516351Green said on Tuesday, Nov 3 at 9:42 AM
We expected too much from Mr. Salinas background, we still have the same corrupt people and corrupt practices we had before.
31510069FBI said on Monday, Nov 2 at 10:33 PM
Don't we have a former FBI Agent as Mayor? What is he going to do about these money laundering recreactional facilities?
31493614JG said on Monday, Nov 2 at 10:30 PM
If the city wants to close down little Amusement business...you should also shut down church's that have bingo every freaken evening and the Big Bingo places too...that't gambling..idiots...they have nothing else to do...get to freaken work...
31493529UnitedLonghorn said on Monday, Nov 2 at 8:37 PM
Yeah its 250 dollars how about you raise it to one thousand? Maybe then the city can get some revenue since it will be an eternity before these establishments get shut down for good
31489989Santos said on Monday, Nov 2 at 8:34 PM
This is Laredo, hermanos...it's easy to get illegal 8 liners here...the city council made it easier just a few months ago when they changed the law...maybe you should ask them that question.
31489906Green said on Monday, Nov 2 at 7:54 PM
seems that these operations just multiply, even Councilman Narvaes has a maquinita "business" a sour Flavor of Laredo"
31488586NotMyFlop said on Monday, Nov 2 at 7:42 PM
Typo above: It's $250 per machine, not $250k.
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