Illegal Gambling Sting in Florida Leads to Five Arrests

Five people were arrested in Florida and face charges for suspected involvement in illegal gambling businesses in Sarasota County. The arrests follow a joint operation between local law enforcement and the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), the state’s gambling regulator.

First of Many Such Operations That Would Clamp Down Illegal Gambling

Earlier this week, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) confirmed that a joint operation with the FGCC resulted in the arrest of five individuals between the ages of 26 and 44. A sixth suspect, identified with the initials I.L., remains at large although there’s an active warrant for his arrest.

Sarasota residents identified with the initials E.G., 26 years old, S.B., 29 years old, and 34-year-old C.B. have been arrested on charges related to illegal gambling. In addition, a 44-year-old suspect from Addison, Illinois, identified with the initials I.I., as well as 42-year-old Port Charlotte resident with the initials C.M., have also been detained.

Ross Marshman, FGCC’s acting executive director, revealed that the Commission is delighted to collaborate with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. “SCSO has made its home safer by targeting those responsible for siphoning away funds from their neighbors with illegal slot machines,” he said. Finally, Marshman acknowledged that such illegal gambling devices lack any protection for the customers.

Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman added that law enforcement has received a number of complaints about illegal gambling venues across Sarasota County. “This is the first of many steps towards holding them accountable and closing them down,” the Sheriff warned.

Nearly 60 Illegal Gambling Machines Were Seized

The latest operation comes after late last month, seven businesses in North and Central Florida were raided due to illegal gambling. At the time, law enforcement seized illegal gambling machines, cash and issued Notices to Appear to store owners and managers.

Unlike the previous operation, the latest illegal gambling busts resulted in criminal enterprise charges under Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Charges the suspects face include maintaining a gambling establishment, money laundering and possession of a slot machine.

The latest illegal gambling operation saw law enforcement seize nearly 60 illegal gambling machines. Police did not confirm whether or not cash was also seized during the raids.

The five arrests follow an investigation which was initiated back in April 2024. At the time, law enforcement received information about multiple illegal gambling venues operating across Sarasota County. Following protocol, police obtained arrest and search warrants and proceeded with the clampdown. As noted, at least one suspect remains at large.