The Florida Gaming Control Commission recently assisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service during Operation Funny Money, a coordinated enforcement action targeting illegal gambling activity at three locations in Northeast Florida.
On December 11, investigators executed search warrants at Discount Fashion Arcade in Jacksonville and two Orange Park locations.
During the operation, FGCC personnel seized illegal gambling machines and related components, including 230 slot machines and 23 fish tables, along with additional digital media and related equipment.
“The Florida Gaming Control Commission welcomes the opportunity to partner with our federal and local partners to stem illegal gambling in our state,” Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Alana Zimmer said in a statement. “We will take the vital, necessary steps to shut down illegal casinos that are popping up across Florida. Our agents are constantly working to permanently close the doors of illegal gambling establishments, and we appreciate the collaboration with our federal partners.”
Seized illegal gambling machines were transported to an FGCC storage facility for evidence. Proceeds recovered from machines were collected and documented by HSI evidence technicians as part of the ongoing federal investigation.
HSI served as the lead agency, with assistance from the IRS, FGCC, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
