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Several illegal gambling operations are no longer in action following a multiagency law enforcement investigation in the Bradenton area.
Officials with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), along with investigators from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security, say they seized about 265 illegal gambling machines and confiscated about $120,000 in illegal gambling proceeds in what they dubbed “Operation Silent Spin.”
Investigators say they found out about the illegal gaming operations following a response to a shooting at one of the locations in April. A customer in one of the illegal gambling houses was shot several times, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s officials.
“The incident underscored the dangers often associated with underground gambling operations, including large amounts of cash, limited security, weapons, drugs, trafficking, and predatory schemes targeting unsuspecting patrons,” an FGCC news release said.
Officials with all three law enforcement agencies began dismantling the illegal gaming establishments a week ago.
The seizures included 155 illegal slot machines at Spin City Arcade, 61 illegal slot machines at an unnamed arcade and another 49 illegal slot machines at Mike’s Arcade.
“These illegal gambling businesses are not harmless storefront operations. They attract crime, generate illicit cash economies, and create serious public safety risks for surrounding communities,” said L. Carl Herold, Director of Gaming Enforcement for the FGCC. “Operation Silent Spin sends a clear message: if you are operating illegal gambling in Florida, we are coming for your machines, your money, and your criminal enterprise.”
The Manatee County bust comes as the FGCC has stepped up crackdowns on illegal gambling operations around the state. The FGCC is also requesting state budget increases to create additional gaming enforcement squads. Some of those would focus specifically on Southwest Florida.
“Southwest Florida has seen one of the highest increases in illegal gambling activity in the state and is a prime location for our next enforcement squad,” said Julie Brown, Chair of the FGCC.
“As these operations continue to spread, the Commission must ensure it has the personnel and regional presence necessary to investigate complaints quickly, support local law enforcement partners, and protect Florida communities through sustained enforcement efforts.”
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