The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), with the assistance of the Tallahassee Police Department, arrested 10 people and seized 21 illegal slot machines in a recent raid on gas stations in the Tallahassee area.
As reported Friday, the operation focused on a recent increase in illegal gambling at Florida gas stations. The commission revealed that 10 gas stations were investigated as part of the operation: one in Jefferson County, one in Wakulla County, and eight in Leon County.
$17,000 confiscated
In total, gaming enforcement officers seized over $17,000 from the confiscated machines. The commission has announced 10 arrests so far but added that further arrests could be pending.
“Illegal gambling has a serious impact on Florida’s communities, and small businesses who choose to offer illegal slot machines to customers need to understand that they are breaking the law," commented FGCC executive director Louis A. Trombetta.
"It is unlawful to offer slot machine gaming at any unlicensed facility in Florida, including bars, restaurants, gas stations, and illegal casinos. We want to help small businesses understand the law, as well as the implications of not following the law.”
Florida law limits slot machine permits
Under Florida law, gambling machines are only allowed in legal gaming facilities, with specific rules governing where they can be operated. As a result, slot machines are only permitted in eight licensed pari-mutuel facilities in the counties of Miami-Dade and Broward, along with a handful of facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe.
Illegal gambling can incur hefty fines and civil penalties in Florida. Operating slot machines illegally can result in an administrative fine or civil penalty of up to $10,000 per machine. Offenders also risk losing occupational licenses, such as business permits or liquor licenses.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission is encouraging those with concerns about illegal gambling to report any suspicious activity online, email Tipline@FLGaming.gov, or contact the Commission by phone at 850-880-3433.
