Florida Gambling Regulator Shuts Down Illegal Gambling Venues

Across the United States, gambling regulators and law enforcement constantly combat the illegal sector. Casinos without a license, illegal bookmakers or other establishments are often shut down by law enforcement while people involved in such unlawful activities face a range of punishments.

In one such case from Florida, the state’s gambling regulator, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), collaborated with law enforcement to shut down several illegal gambling establishments.

Police, FGCC Raid Businesses in Port Orange

On Tuesday, the gambling watchdog uncovered details regarding a couple of operations against illegal gambling. Agents with the FGCC collaborated with the Port Orange Police Department last Thursday as raids on two suspected illegal gambling venues were conducted.

The operation followed community concerns and saw police and Commission agents visit Stop & Go Convenience Store and Mark and Jill’s Village Tavern, two businesses in Port Orange. The raids resulted in the arrest of three individuals, suspected of being involved in illegal gambling.

Charges each of the suspects is facing include illegal possession of slot machines and gaming devices, as well as operating illegal gambling establishments. The raids on the two businesses saw law enforcement seize 19 illegal slot and gaming devices, along with $6,000 in cash.

Five Illegal Casinos in Brevard County Were Closed

In a separate but similar operation against illegal gambling, the FGCC collaborated with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Conducted earlier last week, the operation saw the authorities execute search warrants on a total of five venues across Brevard County, suspected of operating as illegal casinos. A statement from the Florida gambling regulator confirms that the five venues were located at:

• 4940 Stack Blvd Suite D1-D2, Melbourne
• 190 Malabar Rd, Suite 121, Palm Bay
• 950 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island
• 1882 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne
• 780 Apollo Blvd, Melbourne

During the raids, more than 500 illegal gambling machines and other related equipment, as well as a 2022 Chevy Silverado were seized. The authorities also uncovered and seized more than $845,000.

The seized vehicle, according to the FGCC, was used to transport money from one illegal casino to the other. Arrests are yet to be announced. Since the raids, the five suspected illegal gambling establishments have been shut down.

“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.“

Ross Marshman, acting executive director at the FGCC

Ross Marshman, FGCC’s acting executive director, spoke about the importance of collaborating with local law enforcement agencies. “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,” Marshman said.

Florida residents can report suspected illegal gambling activities by filing a report with the FGCC. Such reports can be filed via e-mail, phone, or via the gambling regulator’s official website.