The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has raided three locations, seizing 231 illegal gambling machines and more than $157,000 in illegal gambling proceeds in Lake County.
On Thursday (January 8), the FGCC operation, codenamed ‘Calvin Coolidge,’ targeted three locations believed to hold unlawful gambling houses in Lake County’s Umatilla and Leesburg. The raid resulted in the seizure of 231 illegal gambling machines and more than $157,000 in illegal gambling revenues. It was one of many recent raids as the state cracks down on illegal gambling operators.
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The FGCC discovered the three locations through a combination of complaints, intelligence collection, and investigative efforts.
“These enforcement actions demonstrate our commitment to protecting Florida communities and preserving the integrity of the state’s gaming laws,” said FGCC Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “Illegal gambling operations undermine lawful businesses and exploit patrons. FGCC will continue to work proactively with law enforcement partners to shut them down.”
A joint effort tackle illegal gambling in Florida
The FGCC worked with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to raid the House of Treasure in Umatilla, as well as two Leesburg locations, Hot Seats and The Hub. Investigators seized 56 illegal gambling machines, including slot machines and fish tables, as well as $75,619 in cash, from the House of Treasure. Hot Seats is one of the gaming establishments linked to the criminal investigation involving Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez.
At the other two locations, 77 illegal gambling machines and $35,621 in suspected gambling proceeds were seized at Hot Seats, and 98 illegal gambling machines and $46,597 in cash were discovered at The Hub.
Notices to Appear were issued at all locations for possession of slot machines and operating a gambling house.
According to Florida gambling legislation, gambling machines are only permitted in legal gaming establishments. Furthermore, only eight licensed facilities exist in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with the exception of those run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under their exclusive tribal rights. Illegal possession of slot machines is punishable by a second-degree misdemeanor for a first conviction and a third-degree felony for subsequent offenders, with penalties ranging from $5,000 in fines to five years in prison, or both.
Keeping a gambling establishment is a more serious violation in Florida, commonly categorized as a third-degree felony with penalties of up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
