Illegal Gambling Crackdown in Tallahassee Leads to Multiple Arrests

targeting illegal gambling establishments in Tallahassee. Dubbed “Operation Westside,” the effort, which was ed by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, resulted in the shutdown of three illegal casinos.

Authorities confiscated 401 illegal gambling machines, including unauthorized slot machines, along with various pieces of gambling equipment and a total of $92,167.10 in cash. Law enforcement officials in Florida also made five arrests connected to the operation.

Law Enforcement Efforts and Legal Implications

Florida has strict regulations on gambling, allowing slot machines only in licensed establishments, such as pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and Seminole Tribe-operated casinos. Operating slot machines outside these licensed facilities is illegal and carries severe penalties.

“While gambling is strictly regulated in Florida, illegal casinos continue to open and operate in our communities without regard for the law. Partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level are essential to ensure we keep Florida’s communities safe,” stated Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. He also credited the collaboration between the Florida Highway Patrol, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations for the operation’s success.

Individuals found in possession of illegal slot machines may face criminal charges and istrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine. Additionally, business licenses and permits may be suspended for violating the state’s gambling laws.

Locations Targeted in Operation Westside

Law enforcement conducted raids on three establishments suspected of illegal gambling activity:

• Arcade 20 (6315 Blountstown Highway): Officers seized 95 illegal slot machines, 124 additional gambling machines, and $55,962.10 in cash. The manager was cited for one count of Keeping a Gambling House and 86 counts of Possession of Slot Machines (first offense). A security guard at the establishment was also cited for being an Agent/Employee of a Gambling House.
• Blount’s 4979, Inc. (4979 Blountstown Highway): Authorities confiscated 118 illegal slot machines and $16,065 in cash. The store manager was arrested for one count of Keeping a Gambling House and 87 counts of Possession of Slot Machines. He is currently in custody under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention.
• Frontline 9 LLC (1907 Lake Bradford Road): This location housed 64 illegal slot machines and contained $20,140 in cash. Both the store owner and manager were arrested, each facing one count of Keeping a Gambling House and 64 counts of Possession of Slot Machines. Both individuals are currently detained by ICE.

Impact on Public Safety and Consumer Protection

Authorities emphasized the dangers of illegal gambling operations, citing a lack of consumer protections and potential ties to other criminal activities. “Illegal gambling poses serious risks in our communities, and patrons who gamble at these unlawful establishments have no guarantees of fair play or consumer protections, including collecting on their winnings. One of these three facilities in Operation Westside regularly refused to pay out money, and a patron thankfully reported this,” said Carl Herold, Florida Gaming Control Commission Director of Law Enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to report any suspected illegal gambling operations. The Florida Gaming Control Commission and local authorities remain committed to dismantling illegal casinos to maintain the integrity of the state’s gaming industry.

Source:

‘’Florida Gaming Control Commission Partners with Leon County Sheriff’s Office to Seize Illegal Slot Machines and Cash from Three Illegal Gambling Facilities’’, leoncountyso.com, March 21, 2025.