Shutting Down Underground Casinos in Florida: Operation Westside
Florida authorities halt operations at three unlawful gambling establishments: illegal casinos cease functioning
Florida's fight against illegal gambling took a significant step with the bust of three casinos in Tallahassee through Operation Westside. The Florida Gaming Control Commission, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and Department of Homeland Security collaborated to take down these unlawful gambling dens.
The police seized illegal slot machines, gambling equipment, cash, and made five arrests. These clandestine gambling operations, despite the strict gambling regulations in Florida, have been operating with disregard for legalities.
"Gambling might be regulated in our state, but illegal casinos keep popping up in our neighborhoods, flouting the law," stated Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of Florida Gaming Control Commission. "Our partnership with law enforcement bodies at local, state, and federal levels is crucial to maintain the safety of Florida's communities."
Florida law imposes a harsh penalty on those possessing illegal slot machines. They can face criminal charges, administrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine, and may even have their licenses and permits suspended for violating the state's gambling laws. The punishment can be even more severe for trafficking (selling, transporting, or manufacturing over 15 machines), with fines of $100,000 (for 16 to 24 machines), $250,000 (for 25 to 49 machines), or $500,000 (for 50 or more machines).
Legal gaming establishments in the state offer more than just a place to gamble. They uphold strict player protections, generate state revenue, and maintain game integrity. In contrast, illegal casinos often fall short on these aspects, lacking age restrictions, fair gaming standards, and undergoing rigorous testing to ensure fairness.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil lauded the joint effort, stating, "Operation Westside, along with our partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, has effectively shut down three illegal casinos in our area. These clandestine gambling operations not only exploit the vulnerability of citizens but also serve as breeding grounds for additional criminal activities."
Recent court rulings have further bolstered enforcement against unregulated operators. The 1st District Court of Appeal affirmed that games incorporating an element of chance (like pre-reveal machines) qualify as illegal slots, making it clear that the war against illegal gambling will continue in the state.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission is committed to ensuring the safety of Florida's communities, collaborating with law enforcement bodies at local, state, and federal levels to combat illegal casinos. In accordance with Florida law, those found possessing illegal slot machines can face criminal charges and severe penalties, including massive fines and suspensions of licenses and permits. Notably, the lack of protections in illegal casinos, such as age restrictions and fair gaming standards, sets them apart from legal gaming establishments, which generate state revenue, uphold player protections, and maintain game integrity.
