Florida is keeping the pressure on illegal gambling businesses, with the Manatee County police conducting an operation against the sector, resulting in the bust of a large-scale criminal enterprise.
Florida Shutters Multiple Venues, Seizes Hundreds of Illegal Gambling Machines
Police raids led to the seizure of 265 illegal gambling machines along with $120,000 in cash, in what the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) dubbed Öperation Silent Spin.”
The operation involved raids against three separate locations that had been surveyed previously. The largest saw police seize 155 illegal slot machines along with $78,483 from Spin City Arcade, along with another 61 illegal slot machines and $24,157 taken from another location, which has not been specified by the police.
Mike’s Arcade was also raided, where police found 49 illegal slot machines along with $18,157 seized. The Spin City Arcade was previously investigated in 2023 and raided at the time, with no arrests against employees or patrons of the venue conducted at the time.
“These illegal gambling businesses are not harmless storefront operations. They attract crime, generate illicit cash economies, and create serious public safety risks for surrounding communities,” explained L. Carl Herold, director of gaming enforcement at the FGCC.
South Florida has seen a sustained increase in illegal gambling activity. FGCC chair Julie Brown similarly noted that criminal behavior has increased locally, necessitating continuous coordination between the FGCC and law enforcement.
The FGCC Is Calling on Citizens to Report Illegal Gambling
The commission has called on ordinary citizens to file a report with it and tip it off about illegal gambling businesses.
“Southwest Florida has seen one of the highest increases in illegal gambling activity in the state and is a prime location for our next enforcement squad,” Brown noted.
The FGCC may be looking to set up gaming enforcement squads as the regulator is keen to continue addressing the ongoing illegal gambling situation.
