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Illegal gambling machines and cash seized from several stores in Florida

25 February 2025

(PRESS RELEASE) -- This month, the Florida Gaming Control Commission took enforcement action against illegal gambling operations at seven convenience stores in North and Central Florida. Notices to Appear were issued for the store’s owners or managers, including charges of Possession of Slot Machines, as well as charges for Keeping a Gambling House.

Florida law strictly regulates gambling, with slot machines permitted only in licensed gaming facilities, including eight pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and six Seminole Tribe of Florida establishments. It is illegal to operate slot machines or any other unauthorized gambling machines at an unlicensed facility in the state.

“Standalone illegal casinos aren’t the only ones offering illegal slot machine gaming in this state,” explained Florida Gaming Control Commission Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman. “Business franchisees, owners, and managers need to be aware of the law. If someone approaches your legitimate business with an opportunity to make more money that seems too good to be true, it probably is. These illegal schemes will result in criminal charges and hurt the business you worked hard to build.”

Agents seized 35 machines from the seven locations, along with $19,131.87 cash from inside the machines. Locations included:

- BP Gas Station, 3930 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa. Agents seized six illegal gambling machines containing $3,037 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Los Amigos Grocery & Meats, 2223 Stuart Street, Tampa. Agents seized 13 illegal gambling machines containing $699 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Speedy Mart, 949 Center Avenue, Holly Hill. Agents seized four illegal gambling machines, containing $863 cash. The store owner was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Sunoco Gas and Convenience, 190 Eau Gallie Boulevard, Indian Harbour Beach. Agents seized three illegal gambling machines containing $5,665 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Mobil Gas & Convenience Store, 2094 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, Indian Harbour Beach. Agents seized five illegal gambling machines containing $375 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count for Keeping a Gambling House.
- Perry Fast Mart, 720 S. Jefferson Street, Perry. Agents seized three illegal gambling machines containing $8,154.77 cash. The store owner was issued an NTA for one charge of Possession of Slot Machines and one charge of Keeping a Gambling House.
- Katie’s Kountry Corner, 15729 Beach Road, Perry. Agents seized one illegal gambling machine containing $338.10 cash. The store manager was issued an NTA for one charge of Possession of Slot Machines.

Legal gaming establishments ensure player protections, generate state revenue, and uphold game integrity. Anyone found possessing illegal slot machines faces criminal charges and may incur administrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine. Business permits and liquor licenses may also be suspended for violations of Florida’s gambling laws.

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