In a recent operation against illegal gambling in Florida, thousands of dollars were seized along with nearly three dozen illegal gambling machines by law enforcement. The state’s gambling regulator, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, uncovered details regarding the extensive operation.
Fight Against Illegal Gambling Continues
Although the illegal gambling raids took place last week, the Commission released details on Tuesday. A total of seven convenience stores and businesses in North and Central Florida were subject to scrutiny by law enforcement and agents with the state’s gambling regulator. Data from the gambling watchdog reveals that $19,131.87 in cash was seized along with 35 illegal gambling machines.
Per the Gaming Control Commission’s announcement, 13 illegal gambling machines and $699 in cash were seized from Los Amigos Grocery & Meats in Tampa. On the other hand, six illegal gambling devices and $3,037 in cash were seized from BP Gas Station, again in Tampa.
Three illegal gambling machines along with $8,154.77 in cash were seized from Perry Fast Mart in Perry, while five illegal gambling devices and $375 in cash were seized from Mobil Gas & Convenience Store in Indian Harbour Beach.
Law enforcement and Commission agents seized three illegal gambling machines and $5,665 in cash from Sunoco Gas and Convenience, while one illegal gambling device and $338.10 in cash were seized from Katie’s Kountry Store in Perry.
Earlier this month, in a separate operation, Tampa Police continued its crackdown on illegal gambling. At the time, law enforcement raided an illegal betting house. The police raid resulted in the closure of the illegal gambling outlet, seizure of $12,000 in cash as well as a semi-automatic pistol and equipment.
Businesses Offering Illegal Gambling May Face Sanctions, Charges
Focusing once again on the latest illegal gambling raids, law enforcement not only seized gambling machines and cash. The owners or store managers were handed Notices to Appear (NTAs) and face charges of keeping a gambling house and possession of slot machines. It is yet to be seen what further legal implications such individuals may face and whether or not police may arrest additional people involved.
“Standalone illegal casinos aren’t the only ones offering illegal slot machine gaming in this state.“
Ross Marshman, acting executive director at the Florida Gaming Control Commission
Ross Marshman, the Florida Gaming Control Commission’s acting executive director, spoke about the increasing offering of illegal gambling in businesses across the state. He reminded the owners and managers of businesses offering illegal gambling that they may be subject to sanctions under Florida law.
Marshman said: “If someone approaches your legitimate business with an opportunity to make more money that seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Finally, he reiterated that illegal gambling and other unlawful schemes may ultimately hurt the businesses harboring them and result in criminal charges against people involved in the process.
