Florida Gaming Control Commission shuts down illegal gambling ring

(AsiaGameHub) –   The operation resulted in the seizure of 265 illegal gambling machines.

US.- The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has dismantled a multi-location illegal gambling operation with assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations. A total of 265 illegal gambling machines were seized, along with over $120,000 in proceeds from illegal gambling activities.

During Operation Silent Spin, authorities confiscated 155 illegal slot machines and approximately $78,483 from Spin City Arcade, 61 illegal slot machines and about $24,157 from an unnamed arcade, and 49 illegal slot machines with around $18,157 from Mike’s Arcade.

L. Carl Herold, director of Gaming Enforcement at the FGCC, stated: “These illegal gambling operations are not harmless storefront businesses. They attract criminal activity, fuel illicit cash economies, and pose significant public safety threats to nearby communities.

“Operation Silent Spin sends a clear message: if you operate illegal gambling in Florida, we will take your machines, seize your money, and dismantle your criminal enterprise. As illegal gambling continues to rise across the state—including in southwest Florida—the FGCC remains committed to aggressively targeting these operations before they develop into larger organized crime networks.”

Julie Brown, chair of the FGCC, added: “Southwest Florida has experienced one of the highest increases in illegal gambling activity statewide and is now a key focus for our next enforcement initiative. As these operations continue to expand, the Commission must maintain sufficient staffing and regional presence to respond swiftly to complaints, support local law enforcement, and safeguard Florida communities through sustained enforcement actions.”

In March, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the outcomes of a two-day sting operation focused on illegal gaming in Volusia, Brevard, Duval, and Flagler counties. That operation led to the confiscation of 525 illegal machines and $190,000 in illicit proceeds at 39 locations.