Florida Piles Pressure on Illegal Gambling, 160+ Machines Seized

Florida is back on illegal gambling, with the state’s Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) leading a new effort into illicit activity. The regulator has busted two locations, leading to the seizure of more than 160 gambling devices. The commission, in partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, targeted two locations in St. Petersburg. Illegal Gambling Houses Busted The result? Operation Final Spin has led to the dismantling of a gambling house at the Action Arcade and the Zoo Sports Club and Grille in St. Petersburg. The first location, Action Arcade, saw agents seize 90 machines and $142,020 in cash, with two people issued notices to appear from the first raid. Each of them is charged with one count of possession of slot machines and one count of keeping a gambling house. The other raided location, The Zoo, led to the seizure of 73 machines and $105,265 in cash. The money seized from both locations is presumed to have been generated through illegal gambling activity. One person who was at The Zoo at the time of the raid was served a notice to appear. Gambling Machines Seized, Suspects Awaiting to Head to Court They are also facing one count of possession of slot machines and one count of agent or employee of a gambling house. Commenting on the success of these operations, FGCC vice chair Tina Repp and Republican state Representative Berny Jacques had this to add: “These machines are designed to take advantage of people, and far too often that means senior citizens living on fixed incomes who can least afford to lose what they have. Removing 163 machines and nearly $250,000 in cash from these operators is about protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, “ Jacques commented. “Operation Final Spin and the more than 200 illegal arcades we have shut down before this should make it clear that our goal is to disrupt and dismantle illegal gaming across the state of Florida,” Repp wrapped up. Operations like these have been common in Florida. Another bust at Lockwood Ridge Road led to the seizure of 70 gambling machines on August 26. The operation, carried out by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the FGCC, resulted in the raiding of two locations. The FGCC is continuing to monitor the proliferation of illegal gambling and has cautioned that, right now, not all enforcement action – and subsequent court proceedings act as a meaningful deterrent. Despite this, the regulator is firmly committed to ensuring that illegal gambling ventures are brought to heel.