Galveston County law enforcement officials say a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling operations in Hitchcock led to the seizure of hundreds of gaming machines, the recovery of more than $400,000 in cash, and the arrest of 33 suspects—including the city’s mayor.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Task Force executed search warrants at 20 locations on Wednesday, targeting convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, game rooms, and a washateria along Texas 6. Authorities said 749 gambling machines were seized, along with $417,752.82 in cash and eight firearms.
Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said the investigation began after repeated complaints from residents and business owners about illegal gaming operations in Hitchcock. Fullen said he personally met with Mayor Chris Armacost in October and urged him to address the growing number of game rooms. After complaints continued, the sheriff’s office launched its own investigation through the Organized Crime Task Force.
Among those arrested was Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost, who also serves as assistant superintendent for Hitchcock Independent School District. Armacost and at least five others were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, while additional individuals were charged with misdemeanors related to keeping a gambling place or promoting gambling.
According to charging documents described by authorities, undercover deputies visited the Comfort Zone Washateria, where they played video slot machines commonly referred to as eight-liners and were paid cash winnings. Deputies alleged that the payouts were made from a separate bag rather than the business register. Investigators later connected the business to Armacost through property records.
A probable cause complaint alleges that multiple employees were involved in issuing cash payouts, leading to the organized criminal activity charge. An employee reportedly told investigators that Armacost was personally involved in making cash payouts and instructed staff not to allow unfamiliar individuals to play the machines. The complaint also references business ledgers that appeared to document gambling payouts.
Under Texas law, eight-liner machines are not automatically illegal. However, operators are not allowed to pay out cash. The law only permits non-cash prizes, such as small merchandise items, and those prizes cannot exceed $5 in wholesale value or ten times the cost to play, whichever is less.
Fullen said authorities believe the gambling locations attracted additional criminal activity, including robberies, aggravated assaults, prostitution, and narcotics trafficking. He said the sheriff’s office may seek federal assistance as the investigation continues, including potential forensic audits and coordination with federal authorities if financial crimes are uncovered.
Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said prosecutors intend to pursue the full scope of the operation and are not limiting the case to low-level employees. Officials declined to release full details of all charges, and more arrests are possible.
In addition to the business raids, investigators executed a warrant at Hitchcock City Hall, seeking documents tied to permitting, inspections, and related records. City Manager Marie Gelles said the city is cooperating with investigators and providing requested records, including permitting and personnel files.
Financial records referenced by officials indicate that game room-related permits have generated significant revenue for the city in recent years. In 2019, the city reported more than $1 million in revenue from gaming-related fees. For the 2026 fiscal year, Hitchcock projected collecting approximately $843,000 from amusement permits.
In a statement released through his attorney, Armacost said he intends to defend himself as a private citizen and emphasized that neither his duties as mayor nor his role with Hitchcock ISD were implicated in the charges. Hitchcock ISD said Armacost remains an employee while the district reviews applicable information and declined further comment due to the personnel nature of the matter.
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