Florida Attorney General announces seizure of 479 illegal machines
Operations in Lee and Collier counties led to 11 arrests.
US.- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the results of a multi-day operation targeting illegal gaming in Lee and Collier counties. The operation resulted in the seizure of 479 illegal machines and $294,150 in illicit proceeds. Eleven people were arrested.
The operation was led by the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Since the beginning of 2026, the FGCC have seized 3,114 illegal machines. Authorities have arrested 81 individuals allegedly involved in unlawful gambling.
Uthmeier said: “Illegal gambling operations pose a threat to public safety and undermine our compact with the Seminole Tribe, which provides billions of dollars to the state to protect our environmental resources. These illegal casinos fuel larger criminal enterprises that contribute to drug and human trafficking. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to shut down all illegal gaming operations across the state.”
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk added: “I want to thank Attorney General James Uthmeier, Gaming Control Commission chair Julie Brown, and their respective offices for their partnership in keeping our community safe. These illegal and unregulated gambling businesses and machines provide zero consumer protections, no guarantee of fair play, and no recourse if an operator simply disappears with their money. Unregulated machines take advantage of customers. Make no mistake–these are not harmless establishments.”
Florida Gaming Control Commission Chair Julie Brown said: “The Florida Gaming Control Commission is grateful for the continued support of Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida Legislature, and our law enforcement partners as we carry out this important public safety mission. Because of that support, the FGCC will establish a new law enforcement squad in Southwest Florida in the coming year, expanding our ability to confront illegal gambling and protect Floridians from those who would exploit our communities for profit.”
In May, the FGCC and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office seized 69 illegal slot machines at two alleged illegal gambling locations in Sarasota County.
