Federal agents and state regulators descended on three locations in Clay and Duval counties last week, seizing hundreds of illicit gaming devices in a coordinated crackdown dubbed “Operation Funny Money.”
Led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the multi-agency task force executed search warrants on December 11 at storefronts in Jacksonville and Orange Park.
The raids targeted the “Discount Fashion Arcade” on Timaquana Road in Jacksonville, as well as two commercial units on College Drive and Blanding Boulevard in Orange Park.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), which assisted in the operation alongside the IRS and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, reported a massive haul of contraband. Agents confiscated 230 slot machines and 23 arcade-style “fish tables,” effectively dismantling the gambling operations at all three sites.
“We will take the vital, necessary steps to shut down illegal casinos that are popping up across Florida,” said Alana Zimmer, Executive Director of the FGCC. “Our agents are constantly working to permanently close the doors of illegal gambling establishments, and we appreciate the collaboration with our federal partners.”
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While the FGCC took custody of the machines to store as evidence, HSI technicians collected the cash proceeds found inside the devices as part of the ongoing federal investigation.
The raids mark the latest significant push by Florida authorities to root out “grey market” casinos often disguised as arcades or internet cafés.
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