ST. PETERSBURG — Authorities seized 163 illegal slot machines and more than $247,000 during searches at two St. Petersburg businesses, according to the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
The enforcement action, dubbed “Operation Final Spin,” took place Sept. 10 at Action Arcade, located at 6541 54th Avenue North, and The Zoo Sports Club and Grille at 5111 66th Street North.
FGCC agents were assisted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
At Action Arcade, agents seized 90 machines and $142,020 in cash. Two individuals were issued notices to appear, with each facing one count of possession of slot machines and one count of keeping a gambling house.
At The Zoo, agents seized 73 machines and $105,265. One individual was issued a notice to appear on charges of possession of slot machines and acting as an agent or employee of a gambling house.
FGCC Vice Chair Tina Repp and Florida State Rep. Berny Jacques participated in the enforcement action.
“These machines are designed to take advantage of people, and far too often that means senior citizens living on fixed incomes who can least afford to lose what they have,” Jacques said. “Removing 163 machines and nearly $250,000 in cash from these operators is about protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Jacques thanked the FGCC and participating law enforcement agencies for their work.
“Operation Final Spin and the more than 200 illegal arcades we have shut down before this should make it clear that our goal is to disrupt and dismantle illegal gaming across the state of Florida,” Repp said.
Under Florida law, slot machines are permitted at eight licensed locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and at facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Anyone who suspects illegal gambling activity can submit a tip at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, email [email protected] or call 850-880-3433.
