Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Gaming Control Commission Bust Four Illegal Gambling Facilities

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Last week, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at four illegal gambling facilities in Cocoa. The Florida Gaming Control Commission assisted with the operation, confiscating illegal slot machines, related equipment, and cash from each location.

“I am truly grateful for the partnership our agency has with the Florida Gaming Control Commission which resulted in the shutdown of these illegal gaming establishments operating in our communities,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne.

“Through the efforts of our agents, these illegal operations were disrupted, and evidence was collected that will allow us to continue our on-going criminal investigation.”

Inside these illegal gambling facilities, $288,207 cash and 158 illegal slot machines were seized by law enforcement personnel, as well as 130 pieces of related equipment, including televisions, computers, and money counters. Upon inspection, one slot machine had taken in $1.3 million over the course of its use.

Another slot machine seized had 4,200 games played yet zero jackpots awarded to patrons. For context, a legal slot machine in a licensed slot facility in Florida is required to pay out at least 85 percent to patrons. FGCC agents will continue to investigate.

Arrests are pending for both felony and misdemeanor offenses.

“In Florida, gaming activities are strictly regulated and enforced. Slot machines are legal only in limited pari- mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said Lou Trombetta, Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

“Unlawful, unregulated gambling at illegal gambling facilities have no guarantees of fair play, provide absolutely zero consumer protections, pay no state tax on their revenue, and offer no recourse if an operator refuses to pay out winnings. These illegal facilities are a true threat to Floridians and visitors.”

Major items seized at the four illegal gambling facilities in Cocoa included cash, illegal gambling machines, and related equipment. A handgun was also confiscated at one facility.

These counts include only money seized from on-site, and FGCC investigators will continue to investigate the extent of the deceptive facilities.

• $217,092, 37 gambling machines, and 71 pieces of equipment at 4875 West King Street
• $34,927, 51 gambling machines, and 38 pieces of equipment at 694 West Avenue
• $21,417, 35 gambling machines, seven pieces of equipment, and a handgun at 1273 West King Street
• $14,771, 35 gambling machines, and 14 pieces of equipment at 672 West Avenue

“Illegal gambling is a rampant issue in communities throughout Florida and pose serious issues, including connection to other dangerous criminal activity,” said Carl Herold, Florida Gaming Control Commission Director of Law Enforcement.

“Our Division of Gaming Enforcement will continue to address illicit gambling to protect the safety and integrity of our communities, and we appreciate continued reports about any suspicion of illegal gambling operations and facilities.”

The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement.

Citizen reports are important to share any concerns about illegal gambling – or what may be illegal gambling – activities or facilities in Florida. Report concerns online at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, by email at Tipline@FLGaming.gov, or by phone at 850-880-3433.

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