Florida’s Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), in collaboration with regulation enforcement companies in Brevard and Volusia counties, has taken decisive motion in opposition to unlawful playing operations. This crackdown led to the closure of 5 unauthorized casinos and the seizure of over 500 unlawful playing machines, related tools, and greater than $845,000 in money.
The seized property additionally included a 2022 Chevy Silverado allegedly used to move money from the unlawful casinos. Criminal fees are anticipated to observe as investigations proceed.
Locations and Additional Seizures
The unlawful casinos, all based mostly in Brevard County, Florida, had been positioned at:
- 190 Malabar Road, Suite 121, Palm Bay
- 4940 Stack Boulevard, Suite D1-D2, Melbourne
- 780 Apollo Boulevard, Melbourne
- 1882 North Wickham Road, Melbourne
- 950 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
In a associated operation, FGCC brokers joined forces with the Port Orange Police Department to handle neighborhood issues about two independently owned companies. These efforts resulted within the seizure of 19 unlawful slot and gaming machines and greater than $6,000 in money.
Three people had been arrested on fees of working unlawful playing institutions and unlawful possession of gaming units. The focused companies had been the Stop & Go Convenience Store at 5687 South Ridgewood Avenue and Mark and Jill’s Village Tavern at 5263 South Nova Road in Port Orange.
FGCC Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman emphasised the significance of those efforts, stating, “The cooperative relationships developed between the Florida Gaming Control Commission and our partner law enforcement agencies are essential to fulfill our mission, and these efforts are making an impact. Through innovative strategies, enhanced resources and collaboration, these partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering trust and accountability while effectively addressing public safety concerns related to illicit gambling locations.”
Gambling Laws and Legal Options in Florida
Florida’s playing rules permit for restricted authorized choices, primarily centered on operations managed by the Seminole Tribe. In 2021, a 30-year gaming compact granted the tribe unique rights to sports activities betting throughout the state, permitting bets to be positioned at tribal casinos or by way of the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app. This settlement additionally enabled the addition of video games like craps and roulette at tribal casinos.
Legal playing in Florida consists of:
- Sports betting by way of the Seminole Tribe’s casinos or app
- Pari-mutuel playing, resembling horse racing and jai alai
- State-run lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions
- Charitable video games like bingo and raffles
- Casino playing on Seminole and Miccosukee tribal lands
Betting amongst buddies, whereas frequent, is technically unlawful until it includes penny-ante video games with winnings not exceeding $10. For these concerned with sports activities betting, solely the Hard Rock Bet app is sanctioned to be used throughout the state. Offshore betting platforms function in a authorized grey space and should not formally acknowledged.
Source:
“Florida gaming regulators, law enforcement shut down illegal casinos”, cdcgaming.com, December 11, 2024.
