Brevard County sheriff’s deputies, along with state agents with the Florida Gaming Control Commission , raided four businesses in Cocoa, confiscating 158 slot machines and cash in a crackdown on unlicensed gambling businesses.
The raids on the illegal gambling sites took place in and around the city last week, with two on King Street and another pair on West Avenue, the state agency reported. No arrests were reported, although state officials said the investigation is ongoing and arrests are pending for both felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Agents seized $288,000 in cash along with the illegal slot machines. The state also confiscated 130 pieces of equipment, from TVs to computers and money counters. Deputies and agents seized $217,000 along with 37 gambling machines from one site alone, reports show.
“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,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said in a statement released by the state agency.
“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.”
The state reported that one of the machines taken during the search had taken in $1.3 million from clients playing the games during its use. Zero jackpots were doled out to patrons through some of the machines, which in Florida are required to deliver an 85 percent payout to those playing the games.
“In Florida, gaming activities are strictly regulated and enforced. Slot machines are legal only in limited parimutuel 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, in a statement.
“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.”
Carl Herold, director of law enforcement for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, said such sites are growing rampantly in communities across Florida.
“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,:he said.
J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com . X, formerly known as Twitter: @JDGallop.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: State agents, Brevard deputies raid 4 illegal gambling houses in Cocoa; seize cash, slots
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