Florida Gaming Control Commission Continues Crackdown on Illicit Gambling Houses with Operation Final Spin
The FGCC partnered with law enforcement for Operation Final Spin, raiding two St. Petersburg sites. Authorities seized 163 machines and nearly $250,000. This continues the shutdown of more than 200 illegal arcades statewide.
SCCG Take — The raids underscore regulators’ priority on shielding seniors and fixed-income residents from predatory machines. Enforcement maintains pressure on illicit operations with no tolerance for unlicensed gambling.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission continues to crack down on illegal gambling. The regulator recently executed search warrants on two retail locations in St. Petersburg described as illicit gambling houses.
The enforcement action, dubbed Operation Final Spin, involved partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. FGCC Vice Chair Tina Repp and Republican state Representative Berny Jacques participated directly in the raids.
Raids Yield Machines, Cash, and Charges
At the Action Arcade, agents seized 90 machines and $142,020. Two people were issued notices to appear, each charged with one count of possession of slot machines and one count of keeping a gambling house.
At the Zoo Sports Club and Grille, the raid netted 73 machines and $105,265. One person was issued a notice to appear for one count of possession of slot machines and one count of agent or employee of a gambling house. In all, the actions removed 163 machines and nearly $250,000 in cash.
Officials Stress Protection for Vulnerable Residents
Jacques said: “These machines are designed to take advantage of people, and far too often that means senior citizens living on fixed incomes who can least afford to lose what they have. Removing 163 machines and nearly $250,000 in cash from these operators is about protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Repp said: “Operation Final Spin and the more than 200 illegal arcades we have shut down before this, should make it clear that our goal is to disrupt and dismantle illegal gaming across the state of Florida.”
This latest enforcement forms part of the Commission’s sustained effort against unlicensed operations, as reported by CDC Gaming.
Reporting: CDC Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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