Authorities have shut down four illegal casinos operating in Florida, seizing slot machines and $194,770 in cash.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) said that 146 illegal slot machines were confiscated in Brevard County, and that criminal arrests were pending for offenses related to the facilities.
essentially stealing from the patrons who frequent these establishments”
“Sadly, the money these unlicensed, unregulated facilities take in is essentially stealing from the patrons who frequent these establishments,” said FGCC Executive Director Lou Trombetta.
“Because they are unlicensed, there are no player protections or benefits to the community like regulated facilities.”
The FGCC described the cash seized as “significant,” but stated that it was just a fraction of the money circulating to fund the illegal facilities.
Carl Herold, FGCC Director of Law Enforcement praised the efforts of deputies and asked Floridians to report any suspected illegal gambling facilities.
“Sheriff Ivey and his team have been excellent partners with FGCC in closing illegal gambling operations that continue to pop up in their communities, and they are determined to minimize the risks of these establishments and related criminal activity,” said Herold.
“We encourage the community to continue reporting these illegal facilities to our team, or to their local law enforcement agency.”