A multi-agency operation led by the Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the shutdown of three illegal casinos in Tallahassee, the seizure of hundreds of illegal slot machines and tens of thousands of dollars in cash, and five arrests.
Operation Westside, which also involved assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, targeted three locations operating unlicensed gambling establishments in the area.
READ: Two Illegal Casinos Busted By Florida Gaming Commission, Over 100 Gambling Machines Seized
“While gambling is strictly regulated in Florida, illegal casinos continue to open and operate in our communities without regard for the law. Partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level are essential to ensure we keep Florida’s communities safe,” said Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 401 illegal gambling machines and $92,167.10 in cash. The following locations were targeted:
- Arcade 20, 6315 Blountstown Highway: 95 illegal slot machines, 124 other illegal gambling machines, and $55,962.10 cash seized. A Notice to Appear (NTA) was issued to the manager and a security guard for gambling-related offenses.
- Blount’s 4979, Inc., 4979 Blountstown Highway: 118 illegal slot machines and $16,065 cash seized. The store manager was arrested and is currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Frontline 9 LLC, 1907 Lake Bradford Road: 64 illegal slot machines and $20,140 cash seized. Two arrests were made, and both individuals are detained by ICE.
“Partnering with the Florida Gaming Control Commission on Operation Westside has resulted in successfully shutting down three illegal casinos in our area, protecting our citizens from establishments that prey on their vulnerabilities and serve as breeding grounds for additional crimes,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil.
READ: Florida Gaming Control Commission Cracks Down On Illegal Online Gambling Operations
Officials emphasized the dangers of illegal gambling establishments, noting that they lack player protections, generate no state revenue, and often engage in unfair practices.
“Illegal gambling poses serious risks in our communities, and patrons who gamble at these unlawful establishments have no guarantees of fair play or consumer protections, including collecting on their winnings. One of these three facilities in Operation Westside regularly refused to pay out money, and a patron thankfully reported this,” said Carl Herold, Florida Gaming Control Commission Director of Law Enforcement.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission encourages citizens to report suspected illegal gambling activities online at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, by email at Tipline@FLGaming.gov, or by phone at 850-880-3433.
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