“While gambling is strictly regulated in Florida, illegal casinos continue to open and operate in our communities without regard for the law. Partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level are essential to ensure we keep Florida’s communities safe,” said Ross Marshman , Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

Three people affiliated with the illegal gambling outfits were not permitted to be in the United States, Marshman said.

While some gambling is legal in Florida, it is limited to permitted slot machines in licensed gaming facilities mostly located in Miami-Dade and Broward counites and six facilities run by the Seminole Native American Tribe.

The Leon County bogus operations that were busted by authorities include the Arcade 20 on Blountstown Highway where 95 illegal slot machines, 124 other illegal gambling machines and some $55,000 in cash were seized. The manager of the facility was charged with keeping a gambling house and 86 counts of possession of slot machines. A security guard in the operation was charged with being an agent of the gambling house.

Blount’s 4979 Inc., also on Blountstown Highway was the scene where 118 illegal slot machines were found along with $16,065 in cash that was seized. The manager was charged with keeping a gambling house and 87 counts of possession slot machines and he’s being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Frontline 9 LLC on Lake Bradford Road in Leon County was the final site of the crackdown where 64 illegal slot machines and $20,140 in cash were seized. The store owner and manager were both charged with keeping a gambling house and 64 counts of possession of slot machines.

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