The seized assets also included a 2022 Chevy Silverado allegedly used to transport cash from the illegal casinos. Criminal charges are expected to follow as investigations continue.
Locations and Additional Seizures
The illegal casinos, all based in Brevard County, Florida, were located at:
- 190 Malabar Road, Suite 121, Palm Bay
- 4940 Stack Boulevard, Suite D1-D2, Melbourne
- 780 Apollo Boulevard, Melbourne
- 1882 North Wickham Road, Melbourne
- 950 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
In a related operation, FGCC agents joined forces with the Port Orange Police Department to address community concerns about two independently owned businesses. These efforts resulted in the seizure of 19 illegal slot and gaming machines and more than $6,000 in cash.
Three individuals were arrested on charges of operating illegal gambling establishments and illegal possession of gaming devices. The targeted businesses were the Stop & Go Convenience Store at 5687 South Ridgewood Avenue and Mark and Jill’s Village Tavern at 5263 South Nova Road in Port Orange.
FGCC Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “The cooperative relationships developed between the Florida Gaming Control Commission and our partner law enforcement agencies are essential to fulfill our mission, and these efforts are making an impact. Through innovative strategies, enhanced resources and collaboration, these partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering trust and accountability while effectively addressing public safety concerns related to illicit gambling locations.”
Gambling Laws and Legal Options in Florida
Florida’s gambling regulations allow for limited legal options, primarily centered on operations managed by the Seminole Tribe. In 2021, a 30-year gaming compact granted the tribe exclusive rights to sports betting within the state, allowing bets to be placed at tribal casinos or through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app. This agreement also enabled the addition of games like craps and roulette at tribal casinos.
Legal gambling in Florida includes:
- Sports betting through the Seminole Tribe’s casinos or app
- Pari-mutuel gambling, such as horse racing and jai alai
- State-run lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions
- Charitable games like bingo and raffles
- Casino gambling on Seminole and Miccosukee tribal lands
Betting among friends, while common, is technically illegal unless it involves penny-ante games with winnings not exceeding $10. For those interested in sports betting, only the Hard Rock Bet app is sanctioned for use within the state. Offshore betting platforms operate in a legal gray area and are not officially recognized.
Source:
“Florida gaming regulators, law enforcement shut down illegal casinos”, cdcgaming.com, December 11, 2024.