Sheriff’s deputies have shut down 17 Internet casinos and seized 160 gaming machines over the past two months, and they’re not done yet.

Chief Deputy Larry McCurtain says neighbors helped them find the illegal casinos in Oildale and south Bakersfield, which were magnets for criminals. At least 30 people have been arrested for crimes ranging from prostitution to drug dealing. McCurtain says they’ve been focusing on the Bakersfield area but believe there are more casinos in other communities.

The Sheriff’s Office will be asking the county to write tougher ordinances against casino operators, who often get charged with misdemeanors and then open back up.

Kelli Pierce