During a Titusville press conference, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced 525 illegal machines and $190,000 in illicit proceeds have been seized as a result of a sting operation targeting illegal gaming across several Florida counties.
“Unlawful gambling operations often play a role as the financial backing behind criminal networks,” Uthmeier said in a release. “These illegal casinos fuel organized crime, prostitution, and other illicit activities. Florida will see a major statewide crackdown on illegal gaming in 2026. If you’re running an illegal operation, don’t roll the dice; shut it down now.”
According to the attorney general, the two-day operation led by the Gaming Control Commission, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution seized machines from restaurants, bars, gas stations, sham arcades, and illegal casinos across Volusia, Brevard, Duval, and Flagler counties.
Officials found several unmarked machines posing in businesses such as nail salons and beauty supply stores.
“The partnerships we have with the Attorney General, Florida Gaming Control Commission and surrounding law enforcement agencies are what give us great results,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. “They help us keep our crime down in our communities and keep our citizens safe, because we don’t turn a blind eye to any crime!”
The massive bust follows Uthmeier's call to the Florida Legislature to increase penalties for illegal gambling operations from a misdemeanor to a felony last November. A bill, HB 189, sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce), is currently going through the House.
A similar bill, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), is also making its way through the Senate.
“These unregulated machines rarely pay out because they are set for the house to win,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime. Often, it fuels other crime and preys on residents who are often elderly and on a limited income in the hopes of a big win.”
