TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has taken action against seven convenience stores across North and Central Florida for operating illegal gambling machines. Agents seized 35 illegal slot machines and over $19,000 in cash from the stores, issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) to store owners and managers on charges of Possession of Slot Machines and Keeping a Gambling House.
“Standalone illegal casinos aren’t the only ones offering illegal slot machine gaming in this state,” explained FGCC Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman. “Business franchisees, owners, and managers need to be aware of the law. If someone approaches your legitimate business with an opportunity to make more money that seems too good to be true, it probably is. These illegal schemes will result in criminal charges and hurt the business you worked hard to build.”
READ: Two Illegal Casinos Busted By Florida Gaming Commission, Over 100 Gambling Machines Seized
Florida law strictly limits slot machine gambling to licensed facilities, including pari-mutuel facilities in South Florida and Seminole Tribe of Florida establishments.
The crackdown targeted stores in Tampa, Holly Hill, Indian Harbour Beach, and Perry. In Tampa, two locations – a BP Gas Station and Los Amigos Grocery & Meats – had multiple illegal machines.
The FGCC emphasizes the importance of legal gaming establishments, which provide player protections, generate state revenue, and ensure game integrity.
READ: Florida Lottery Launches Four New Scratch-Off Games With Over $1.2 Billion In Prizes
Those found in possession of illegal slot machines face criminal charges and administrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine. Additionally, businesses may have their permits and licenses suspended for violating Florida’s gambling laws.
Locations included:
- BP Gas Station, 3930 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa. Agents seized six illegal gambling machines containing $3,037 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Los Amigos Grocery & Meats, 2223 Stuart Street, Tampa. Agents seized 13 illegal gambling machines containing $699 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Speedy Mart, 949 Center Avenue, Holly Hill. Agents seized four illegal gambling machines, containing $863 cash. The store owner was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Sunoco Gas and Convenience, 190 Eau Gallie Boulevard, Indian Harbour Beach. Agents seized three illegal gambling machines containing $5,665 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Mobil Gas & Convenience Store, 2094 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, Indian Harbour Beach. Agents seized five illegal gambling machines containing $375 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Perry Fast Mart, 720 S. Jefferson Street, Perry. Agents seized three illegal gambling machines containing $8,154.77 cash. The store owner was issued an NTA for one charge of Possession of Slot Machines and one charge of Keeping a Gambling House.
- Katie’s Kountry Corner, 15729 Beach Road, Perry. Agents seized one illegal gambling machine containing $338.10 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one charge of Possession of Slot Machines.
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