Oakland shuts down 'sweepstakes cafe’ as alleged gambling parlor

Oakland city officials said Wednesday that they filed a lawsuit against an illegal gambling establishment in the city’s Fruitvale District, a “sweepstakes cafe” said to be similar to other outfits across the country that have drawn law enforcement attention.

Lucky Strike Electronics, located at the corner of East 27th Street and Fruitvale Avenue, was in essence a “small casino,” according to Oakland City Attorney Barbara Parker, who filed suit against the business last month in Alameda County Superior Court.

“Customers supposedly pay to use computers for business, communication or other purposes, but in reality the computers are used as slot machines or to play other games of chance,” Parker’s office said in a statement. “The business functions like a casino, with customers paying the house up front to gamble, and then receiving their 'winnings’ from a cashier when they are done.”

Oakland police raided the business after the suit was filed, seizing computers and other gambling-related equipment, Parker said.

“Small businesses are driving the resurgence of Oakland’s economy,” Parker said. “However, gambling businesses like Lucky Strike Electronics only deprive working families of resources and harm the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

The lawsuit seeks a court order preventing further nuisance activity at the location. The complaint also seeks civil penalties of $25,000 each from the property owner and the operator of the business.

Henry K. Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: hlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @henryklee