By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office raided what they deemed a local gambling establishment early Wednesday, closing the business for the near future, if not permanently.
The Golden Goose Entertainment Center, tucked away on the west side of the La Villita Shopping Center at 2400 Veterans Blvd, was out of business when about a dozen deputies and sheriff’s office staff raided the facility.
Throughout much of the day, sheriff’s office staff carried equipment out of the back door.
While media members waited, several people came up to ‘gamble’ and were disappointed that they wouldn’t be playing the machines that day.
One claimed to have won $700 and another $600.
The Golden Goose’s Facebook page described everything from big winners from the past week to Mother’s Day Raffle and Dinner.
However, local businesses weren’t surprised.
“We all knew it was illegal,” said one business owner who didn’t want to be identified.
“I went in there once for two minutes and left because I knew it wasn’t right. First, they told me they’d give me gift cards and then said they’d give me cash if I won,” the woman said.
However, she said she wasn’t heartbroken to see Del Rio lose a business.
“My customers couldn’t find a parking place,” she said. “They were always busy.”
The writer can be reached at JoelALangton@gmail.com .
