Among the common charges were gambling and conspiracy, and most often the investigation came under the purview of vice or gang detectives. The San Diego County district attorney’s office and the San Diego city attorney’s office have filed 63 illegal gambling cases in the county over last five years, according to data from the county. They are digital, touch screen and advertised as available for private home use - even though some print payout tickets rather than dispense cash winnings. It’s not clear where the pop-up operations get their gaming machines, but authentic slot or video card machines appear relatively simple to buy online for $1,000 or more. It is also illegal in California, and many other states, to own a functioning slot machine unless it is at least 25 years old. The law generally allows charity games and neighborhood poker games with no house but not the kind of organized underground for-profit ventures that have drawn the attention of law enforcement.

It is a misdemeanor to run or play in a game in which the “house” - a term for a casino or bookmaker - collects money from losers to pay winners or takes a percentage of bets made.

Gambling for profit is a highly regulated industry in California and is mostly restricted to tribal casinos, card rooms, horse wagering and state lottery.

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