Illegitimate Casinos Closed Down by Florida's Gaming Control Commission
Cracking Down on Illegal Gambling: Operation Westsideπ Share this article
Recently, Florida's Gaming Control Commission and Leon County Sheriff's Office joined forces to take down three illicit casinos in Tallahassee. Assistance was provided by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, and other local authorities.
The takedown made a significant haul, seizing illegal slot machines, gambling equipment, cash, and making five arrests.
According to Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, "Illegal gambling establishments continue to pop up in our communities, blatantly disregarding the law. Collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies at all levels are crucial to maintain the safety of our communities in Florida."
Legal gaming establishments, the Commission asserts, provide essential safeguards for players, generate revenue for the state, and uphold game integrity. Possessing illegal slot machines can result in criminal charges, fines of up to $10,000 per machine, and the suspension of other licenses and permits for violating Florida's gambling regulations.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil commended the joint operation, stating, "By collaborating with the Florida Gaming Control Commission on Operation Westside, we've managed to shut down three illegal casinos in our area. These establishments prey on citizens' vulnerabilities and foster a breeding ground for additional criminal activity. Expanded law enforcement cooperation, like this, enhances our reach and strengthens our network."
A Deeper Look:
- Penalties and Regulations: Florida Statute Β§ 849.08 covers general gambling offenses, while specific penalties for illegal slot machines can be found in other sections. Trafficking in slot machines carries severe penalties, including potential felony charges for repeat offenses, and significant fines.[2]
- Proposed Legislation: Bills like SB 1404 aim at heightening penalties for illegal gambling activities, although specific penalties for possession of slot machines are not explicitly stated. This bill escalates criminal penalties for specified infractions related to slot machines.[5]
- Court Rulings: A recent Florida appeals court decision declared certain electronic games played in bars, known as pre-reveal games, as illegal slot machines due to an element of chance. This verdict may impact future enforcement and penalties for similar devices.[3]
- General Gambling Penalties: House Bill 1467 proposes a rise in penalties for illegal gambling operations, including slot machines, targeting the operators. This legislation could indirectly influence those in possession of illegal slot machines.[1]
In essence, owning illegal slot machines in Florida can lead to criminal charges, fines, potential felony penalties, and the suspension of licenses and permits, as per existing regulations and forthcoming legislation.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission and law enforcement agencies, including the Leon County Sheriff's Office, have emphasized their ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling, specifically focusing on casino-and-gambling operations such as the seizure of illegal slot machines in Operation Westside. Moreover, possessing illegal slot machines can result in criminal charges, fines, potential felony penalties, and the suspension of licenses and permits for violating Florida's gambling regulations.
