The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), in collaboration with the Port Richey and New Port Richey Police Departments, recently executed search warrants at five gaming establishments. The operation took place on Monday and resulted in numerous citations and the dismantling of five local businesses.
FGCC law enforcement agents confiscated a total of 249 illegal slot machines and seized approximately $194,262 in suspected gambling proceeds. Additionally, eight individuals were issued Notices to Appear for offenses related to illegal gambling.
Port Richey Raids
Below are the five locations that were raided by the local authorities and the assets that were seized.
- Oz Place (6624 Ridge Road): 54 illegal slot machines were removed, $28,394 in cash was seized, and three individuals received Notices to Appear.
- Oz Place (6630 Ridge Road): Although the business was closed before the warrant execution, five slot machines were recovered.
- FL Skill Arcade (6400 Ridge Road): Agents confiscated 52 illegal slot machines and seized $41,230 in cash. One Notice to Appear was issued.
- Ridge Road Place Arcade (6638 Ridge Road): A total of 56 illegal slot machines were removed, $35,467 in cash was seized, and two Notices to Appear were issued.
- 777 Arcade (8633 U.S. Highway 19): This location yielded 82 illegal slot machines and $86,171 in cash. Two individuals were cited with Notices to Appear.
FGCC Statement
Carl Herold, the Director of Gaming Enforcement for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, said, “Illegal casinos are not part of regulated gaming in Florida; these operations exploit vulnerable individuals, create an uneven playing field for lawful businesses, and bring unwanted crime and disorder to the communities in which they operate.”
Florida Gambling Laws
Florida law strictly regulates gambling activities, permitting real-money slot machine gaming only at licensed and authorized facilities. Operating such devices outside of those environments is illegal and subject to enforcement action.
Under current Florida gambling laws, the term’ slot machine’ is expansively interpreted to encompass any electrical or mechanical device that, in exchange for payment, provides an opportunity to win something of value, regardless of whether the outcome is determined by skill, chance, or a combination of both.
Online Florida Casinos
While the state of Florida does not currently allow tribal casinos to operate online, FL players do have other options. Online Florida casinos are licensed in their country of origin and currently accept FL players over the legal gambling age.
Reputable sites have been offering online gambling services since the early 2000s and have set the industry standard. Today, you can even find live dealer table games offered over a live video feed. Random number generators power most of the libraries of slots, video poker, and specialty games. These services keep the buy-ins low and adhere to standards set by the International Gaming Standards Association.