Florida seizes 97 illegal slot machines, recover $60k from 10 locations
A series of enforcement operations were carried out in South and Central Florida by the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) in coordination with local law enforcement. They recovered more than $60,000 in cash and almost 100 illicit gambling machines from ten different locations. The goals of this crackdown are to combat crime, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard communities.
Details of the recent enforcement actions
The FGCC ensures that gambling is regulated, lawful, and equitable in Florida. They manage all aspects of gaming, including slot machines and 바카라s, and work alongside other state agencies, including police departments and sheriff’s offices. Local law enforcement had a strong presence for this most recent sweep.
The , seizing nearly 100 illegal slot machines and over $60,000 in cash. These hubs for unregulated gambling posed risks to locals and diverted funds from state revenue.
Locations targeted by FGCC
- Daytona Beach: Agents seized 33 illegal slot machines and $8,500 in cash after a period of surveillance.
- Dade City: Authorities uncovered 24 machines and over $33,000 in illicit funds in one of the largest single-location seizures.
- DeLand: Fourteen machines and $8,000 in cash were confiscated from a smaller operation that still posed significant risks.
Across all locations, authorities seized a total of 97 illegal slot machines and recovered over $60,000 in cash. Additionally, 7 notices to appear were issued, with more pending.
Participating law enforcement agencies
The operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies alongside the FGCC. Participating departments included the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, DeLand Police Department, Daytona Beach Police Department, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Dade City Police Department, and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Possession of illegal slot machines can result in criminal charges and administrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine. Violations of Florida’s gambling laws may also lead to the suspension of business permits and liquor licences.
Statements from FGCC leadership
Florida Gaming Control Commission Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman stressed the importance of cooperation with law enforcement in light of the recent crackdown on illicit gambling businesses. He emphasised how illegal slot machine gaming is in Florida and urged local governments and entrepreneurs to be vigilant against illegal gaming facilities.
Marshman stated, “The Commission is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners as we collaboratively tackle illegal gaming throughout our state. Slot machine gaming is only legal in a handful of places across the state – folks can check out our website to see the map of those authorised locations. Communities and business owners should be wary of any establishment operating these types of gaming devices outside those authorised locations.”
Previous crackdowns and patterns
Back in March, the FGCC and Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, shut down three illegal 바카라s in Tallahassee. The operation led to five arrests and the seizure of $92,167 in cash and 401 illegal gambling machines.
