Florida Attorney General announces seizure of over 500 gambling machines
A two-day operation against illegal gaming in 39 locations led to the seizure of $190,000 in illicit proceeds.
US.- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the results of a two-day sting operation targeting illegal gaming in Volusia, Brevard, Duval and Flagler counties. The operation led to the seizure of 525 illegal machines and $190,000 in illicit proceeds at 39 locations.
The actions were a joint operation by the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The office of the Attorney General stated that the machines were seized from restaurants, bars, gas stations, sham arcades and standalone illegal casinos. The seizures included stand-up slot machines, PC slot machines, tabletop machines coin-push machines and fish table machines. Some machines were reportedly unmarked and some venues were masquerading as other businesses such as nail salons and beauty supply stores.
The office of James Uthmeier said the operation advances the 2026 priority of a statewide crackdown on illegal gaming. The Attorney General has urged the Florida Legislature to enact reforms to increase the penalty for keeping a gambling house to a felony.
Uthmeier commented: “Unlawful gambling operations often play a role as the financial backing behind criminal networks. These illegal casinos fuel organized crime, prostitution, and other illicit activities. Florida will see a major statewide crackdown on illegal gaming in 2026. If you’re running an illegal operation, don’t roll the dice; shut it down now.”
The FGCC chair Julie Brown added: “The Florida Gaming Control Commission is thankful to Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida Legislature, and our law enforcement partners for these outstanding results. Thank you for this wonderful teamwork. These actions are protecting Floridians from predators who mislead unsuspecting citizens. True collaboration is key to a significant outcome such as today.”
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said: “The partnerships we have with the Attorney General, Florida Gaming Control Commission and surrounding law enforcement agencies are what give us great results. They help us keep our crime down in our communities and keep our citizens safe, because we don’t turn a blind eye to any crime!”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commented: “These unregulated machines rarely pay out because they are set for the house to win. Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime. Often, it fuels other crime and preys on residents who are often elderly and on a limited income in the hopes of a big win.”
In January, the FGCC seized 231 illegal gambling machines and over $157,000 in illegal gambling proceeds in Lake County. The operation, codenamed Calvin Coolidge, involved the execution of search warrants at three locations in Umatilla and Leesburg.
