Florida: 400 illegal slot machines discovered

Garance Limouzy July 29, 2024

In Florida, USA, 11 illegal casinos were shut down last week. The police seized 400 slot machines and made several arrests.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood (pictured above) announced that the collaboration between his forces and the Florida Gaming Control Commission led to the successful shutdown of 11 illegal casinos in Florida. He declared to the press, “After an extensive investigation that began over a year ago, we were able to fan out across the county and hit 11 of these illegal gambling facilities.”

In Florida, slot machines are legal only in the eight licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities. Casino gambling, including slot and table games, is only allowed on tribal lands.

“Operating a slot machine without a Florida Gaming Control Commission-issued license is against the law,” explained the police after a similar operation in April 2024. “Business owners could face up to five years in prison and be fined as much as $10,000 per machine for failing to comply with the law.”

“A vulnerable hive of criminal activity”

“Illegal gambling houses and illicit gaming machines provide zero consumer protections, no guarantee of fair play and offer no recourse if an operator disappears with their money,” the FGCC explained in a press release.

The illegal operations were not following state regulations, which led to an increase in crimes in their vicinity. Chitwood declared, “When you look at the crime that’s generated in and around these places—drug deals, overdoses, armed robberies, burglaries—these places are a vulnerable hive of criminal activity.”

$5 million and 400 machines

One of these casinos, which featured slot machines, reportedly generated around $5 million in 2023. The police said it seized about 400 machines and nearly half a million dollars. Four people were arrested.

The 11 illegal casinos were said to be particularly targeting senior citizens and low-income players.

Last April, the Florida Gaming Control Commission raided two “adult arcades” that offered their customers slot machines with cash prizes.

“The Gaming Commission will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure any illegal gaming offerings are shut down,” Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Louis Trombetta said.