The Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office seized 69 illegal slot machines May 27 during a coordinated enforcement operation at two illegal gambling locations in Sarasota County.
The operation, known as Operation Early Morning, involved the execution of search warrants at Bingo Palace at 2029 South Tamiami Trail in Venice and an unidentified casino at 4235 Clark Road in Sarasota. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office served as the lead investigative agency and requested assistance from FGCC during the execution of the warrants.
Investigators identified 39 illegal slot machines at the Venice location and 30 illegal slot machines at the Sarasota location, seized by FGCC. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office seized $62,376 in cash recovered from the devices.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains ongoing.
“Illegal gambling operations are not harmless businesses. They operate outside the law, avoid oversight, create opportunities for crime, and take money from Florida communities,” Florida Gaming Control Commission Chair Julie Brown said in a statement. “This operation reflects our continued commitment to working with law enforcement partners to protect Floridians and enforce the law wherever illegal gambling activity is found.”
This operation comes as the Florida Legislature approved two new enforcement units for the Florida Gaming Control Commission to strengthen the state’s response to illegal gambling. One new unit will be in Sarasota County, providing a dedicated regional enforcement presence in southwest Florida.
“The Legislature’s support for additional enforcement officers is timely and important,” said FGCC Director of Gaming Enforcement L. Carl Herold. “Illegal casinos are spreading into communities across Florida, and they require a focused, coordinated law enforcement response. The new Sarasota County-based enforcement unit will help us respond more quickly, build stronger local partnerships, and keep the pressure on illegal gambling operators who believe they can profit by ignoring Florida law.”
“We are proud to work alongside Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement and their effort to address illegal gaming operations and adult arcades,” said Sarasota Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “These businesses often attract additional criminal activity and have no place in our community. Through strong partnerships and proactive enforcement efforts, we remain committed to protecting our residents, and ensuring Sarasota County remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.”
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