The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is marking its fourth anniversary this July, looking back at enforcement, regulatory, and revenue milestones since its establishment in July 2022.
The Commission has seized nearly 11,000 illegal slot machines and more than $23 million in illegal gambling proceeds since it was formed. Over the past year, it shut down 184 illegal gambling arcades, made 177 arrests, and uncovered illegal narcotics, firearms, and dog betting rings tied to gambling operations.
“FGCC has made an immediate and dramatic impact,” said FGCC Chair Julie Brown, who founded the agency. “We are the first statewide law enforcement agency created since 1967, which speaks to the growing threat posed by illegal gambling.”
“This success is due in large part to the outstanding support of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature,” she continued. “Working together, we are making Florida safer.”
The Commission has expanded collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies through 44 memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening coordinated efforts against illegal gambling and related criminal activity.
Among its key partners is the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
“Criminals don’t ever get a free pass in Brevard County,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “Our partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission sends a clear and resounding message: If you’re operating illegal gambling businesses in our community, we’re coming for you!”
Beyond enforcement, the FGCC oversees Florida’s regulated gaming sector through its Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (PMW), which is responsible for ensuring compliance among licensed gaming operators.
Over the past four years, the PMW has collected more than $3 billion in revenue from licensed pari-mutuel wagering, cardroom operations, slot machine facilities, and revenue-sharing under the Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida. These revenues have supported education and environmental programs across the state.
The division has also processed nearly 57,000 occupational license applications from individuals and businesses seeking to work in pari-mutuel, cardroom, and slot machine facilities, helping sustain thousands of jobs while maintaining the integrity and accountability of Florida’s regulated gaming industry.
Florida law permits slot machine gaming only at authorized gaming facilities, including eight licensed pari-mutuel venues in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and certain facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Operating slot machines or unauthorized gambling at unlicensed locations remains illegal.
The FGCC highlighted that its mission is to preserve the integrity of gaming in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, criminal investigations, and enforcement. The Commission encourages the public to report suspected illegal gambling activities through its official reporting channels, including online at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, by email at [email protected], or by phone at 850-880-3433.