Three illegal gambling houses shut down in Leon County bust this month

More than 400 gambling machines and about $92,000 in cash were seized in an illegal gambling crackdown in Leon County this month.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission and Leon County Sheriff’s Office executed “Operation Westside, ” targeting three illegal casinos around Tallahassee. While unlawful slot machines and other illegal gambling machines were confiscated in each location, five people were arrested in the operation, including law enforcement assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators.

“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,” said Ross Marshman, acting executive director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

Three people affiliated with the illegal gambling outfits were not permitted to be in the United States, Marshman said.

While some gambling is legal in Florida, it is limited to permitted slot machines in licensed gaming facilities primarily located in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and six facilities run by the Seminole Native American Tribe.

The Leon County bogus operations that were busted by authorities include the Arcade 20 on Blountstown Highway, where 95 illegal slot machines, 124 other illegal gambling machines, and some $55,000 in cash were seized. The manager of the facility was charged with keeping a gambling house and 86 counts of possession of slot machines. A security guard in the operation was charged with being an agent of the gambling house.

Blount’s 4979 Inc., also on Blountstown Highway, was where 118 illegal slot machines and $16,065 in seized cash were found. The manager was charged with keeping a gambling house and 87 counts of possession of slot machines, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is detaining him.

The Frontline 9 LLC on Lake Bradford Road in Leon County was the final site of the crackdown, where 64 illegal slot machines and $20,140 in cash were seized. The store owner and manager were both charged with keeping a gambling house and 64 counts of possession of slot machines.

“Partnering with the Florida Gaming Control Commission on Operation Westside has resulted in successfully shutting down three illegal casinos in our area, protecting our citizens from establishments that prey on their vulnerabilities and serve as breeding grounds for additional crimes,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. “Collaborative law enforcement efforts, such as these, broaden our impact and strengthen our network.”