Another operation has been conducted in Florida, with the state continuing to put pressure on the illegal gambling market and go after bad actors and rogue operators.
Florida AG announces latest bust against illegal gambling sector
The recent action against the sector, “Operation Sunset Stakes,” has resulted in the arrest of 11 people, as well as the seizure of 479 illegal machines, along with $294,150 in money generated from the illegal business secured by law enforcement.
Since the beginning of the year, law enforcement has been able to arrest 81 people and seize more than 3,100 gambling machines and confiscate $1.7 million in illicit gambling proceeds, all related to unauthorized games of chance.
The operation hit locations in Lee and Collier counties, with AG James Uthmeier confirming the news in a statement on Wednesday, and adding:
“Illegal gambling operations pose a threat to public safety and undermine our compact with the Seminole Tribe, which provides billions of dollars to the state to protect our environmental resources.”
Florida AG AG James Uthmeier
According to Uthmeier, illegal operators are actively contributing to drug and human trafficking, and his office would continue working alongside Florida’s law enforcement agencies to shutter illegal gambling across the state.
The latest enforcement action also saw multiple agencies involved, including the Florida Gambling Control Commission, but also the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
“In so many of these cases, we connect these illegal operations with illicit money laundering, embezzlement, trafficking, large-scale drug sales, retail theft, you name it,” Uthmeier added.
Criminals shouldn’t bet on getting away with illegal gambling in FL
Uthmeier sent a strong message to potential culprits, saying that they shouldn’t “bet” on getting away with their criminal enterprises. The attorney general also pointed out that Florida has legal gambling options, pointing to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa Bay.
He remarked that this partnership between the tribal gaming operator and the state has led to a strong economic windfall, resulting in billions of dollars contributed to various state funds and initiatives.
As to those criminals still out there and acting – “cease and desist immediately, or we will take action,” Uthmeier forewarned.