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Posting date: 11 April 2024 at 02:54h
Updated on April 12, 2019, 09:16 a.m.
Florida law enforcement agencies reacted quickly to the governor’s directive and began a crackdown on illegal slots machines. Last week, Ron DeSantis signed legislation that allows seized slot machines and money to be turned over to the state.
DeSantis House Bill 5203, which permits the sale of gaming machines and other items of value seized by police to be sold by state. Since Governor Scott signed this law into effect, Florida Gaming Control Commission’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (FGCC) has raided several businesses that were advertised as amusement centres and arcades. Officials claim these are illegal gambling centers.
Recently, the FGCC executed search warrants in two businesses that were suspected to be housing illegal slots. The Florida Highway Patrol, as well as county sheriffs from Hamilton and Jefferson counties, assisted. The gambling agency said Wednesday that they confiscated 179 gaming machines illegally and arrested five people.
The raids were conducted at a business called the Coff33 Café located in White Springs and the Rio Arcade in Port St. Lucie.
???????Breaking: Gaming Control Commission Agents @FLHSMVJCSO and HCSO arrests and shut down gambling establishments. 179 gambling machines are seized! #FLGaming #LawAndOrder pic.twitter.com/hq0TkBF9oi
— Florida Gaming Control Commission (@FLGamingControl) The 10th of April, 2024
Arcades Alert
Florida has a lot of retail shops that advertise arcade games. Many allow their customers to play for the chance to win cash or vouchers which can be used in store.
Slot machines are legal in Florida only for certain types of games. Seminole Tribe casinos Miami-Dade, Broward and other counties have pari-mutuel and betting facilities. Florida’s law enforcement officials claim that arcades are not only in violation of the gambling laws but also attract unsavoury characters.
An FGCC spokeswoman said: “These types of places often attract secondary crime that can be detrimental for communities.” ABC27 in Tallahassee. “They are having a negative impact on our communities.”
Unknown to the public, an individual was recently murdered outside of Rio Arcade. It is important to note that the law enforcement agencies are also motivated by secondary criminal activity when investigating suspected illegal gambling establishments.
This week, the FGCC tweeted that it strictly regulates slot machines in Florida. They are only legal in eight parimutuel casinos in Miami-Dade, Broward and six by the FGCC. Seminole Tribe of Florida.”
Las Vegas is a popular name and brand used by many arcades.
In addition to the Rio Arcade, which uses the Rio Las Vegas as its name, the Caesars Arcade at St. Petersburg features the famous Caesars Palace logo in the exterior of the shopping strip. Also, there’s a Treasure Island Arcade at Lake Worth Beach as well as a Tropicana Arcade located in Port St. Lucie.
Criminal Penalties for Illegal Gaming Increase
Florida also passed a bill to enable it to retain its game. Illegal gambling machines seized State lawmakers are considering a bill to protect financial assets and their associated liabilities. elevate penalties Persons found guilty for operating illegal gambling enterprises. The state Senate approved a bill in February that increased the penalties for illegal gambling from a misdemeanor of second degree to a felony of third degree.
Senate Bill 1046, a bill that would criminalize repeat offenders in Florida is being debated by the House of Representatives. The bill, if passed by DeSantis and signed into law, would make repeat offenders subject to a second degree felony for the second offence and a first degree felony for subsequent offenses.
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