In April, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), in partnership with multiple local law enforcement agencies, coordinated enforcement actions against illegal gambling operations at ten locations in South and Central Florida.
The collaborative initiative involved 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.
The operations resulted in issuing seven Notices to Appear for individuals identified as operators. The charges levied include Possession of Slot Machines, Keeping of a Gambling House, and Juvenile Possession of Illegal Drugs. Authorities indicated that ongoing investigations into these cases could lead to further charges.
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Florida law maintains strict regulations concerning gambling activities, explicitly permitting slot machines only within licensed gaming facilities. Currently, these include eight pari-mutuel facilities located in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, alongside six establishments operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Operating slot machines or other unauthorized gambling devices outside these designated locations is illegal.
“The Commission is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners as we collaboratively tackle illegal gaming throughout our state,” affirmed Florida Gaming Control Commission Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman. “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 authorized locations. Communities and business owners should be wary of any establishment operating these types of gaming devices outside those authorized locations.”
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During the April enforcement actions, agents successfully seized nearly 100 illegal slot machines and over $60,000 in cash. The locations targeted included a variety of businesses:
- Mobil Gas Station, 4993 U.S. Hwy 441 South, Okeechobee: Four illegal slot machines and over $6,000 cash seized. One NTA issued for Keeping of a Gambling House.
- Citgo Gas Station, 3621 SE 34th Ave., Okeechobee: Staff were alerted to law enforcement presence and removed all illegal slot machines and related currency prior to seizure. One NTA issued for Keeping of a Gambling House.
- Shell Gas Station, 3609 U.S. Hwy 441 Southeast, Okeechobee: Five illegal slot machines and over $1,500 cash seized. Felony arrest warrants are pending.
- Exhale Smoke Shop, 3651 U.S. Hwy 441 Southeast, Units 7 and 8, Okeechobee: Three illegal slot machines and over $1,000 cash seized. Two NTAs issued for Keeping of a Gambling House and one NTA for Juvenile Possession of Illegal Drugs.
- Bill’s Mini Mart, 3007 S.R. 70 East, Okeechobee: Three illegal slot machines and over $500 cash seized. Felony arrest warrants are pending.
- A&J Discount Food Mart, 4340 SE 26th Street, Okeechobee: Two illegal slot machines and nearly $100 cash seized. Felony arrest warrants are pending.
- Dolly’s Old Town Tavern, 1410 E New York Ave, DeLand: Fourteen illegal slot machines and over $8,000 cash seized. An NTA was issued to the store owner for charges of Possession of Slot Machines and Keeping of a Gambling House.
- OB’s Restaurant & Lounge, 1750 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand: Eight illegal slot machines seized, along with only $1.00 cash, as staff took preemptive actions by unplugging machines and removing currency upon notification of law enforcement presence.
- Unnamed Illegal Facility, 1112 Beville Rd, Unit E Daytona Beach: Thirty-three illegal slot machines and over $8,500 cash seized. An NTA was issued to the store owner for Possession of Slot Machines.
- Play for Keeps, 37927 Heath Place, Dade City: Twenty-four illegal slot machines and over $33,000 cash seized. An NTA was issued to the store manager for Keeping a Gambling House as well as 24 counts of Possession of Slot Machines.
The FGCC emphasized the importance of legal gaming establishments in ensuring player protections, generating state revenue, and upholding the integrity of games.
Individuals found to be in possession of illegal slot machines face criminal charges and may also be subject to administrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine. Furthermore, businesses violating Florida’s gambling laws risk the suspension of their permits and liquor licenses.
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