Law enforcement agencies fanned out across Central Florida this week, shutting down dozens of illegal gambling storefronts and hauling away stacks of cash and hundreds of machines.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with the Florida Gaming Control Commission and Attorney General James Uthmeier for what they called Operation Reel of Fortune. Deputies served search warrants at seven sites in Volusia County alone. By the end of those searches, investigators had taken about $97,000 in cash and 225 gambling machines, according to the sheriff’s office.
Across the broader region, officers hit 39 locations. In total, authorities reported seizing roughly $190,000 and 525 machines during the multi-county sweep.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the effort is part of a larger partnership with the Attorney General’s Office aimed at closing down video gambling businesses that skirt Florida law. “These are illegal, okay?” Chitwood said in a video post. “They take your money, they money launder it, and they send it overseas to be used against our country.”
Investigators say many of the seized devices were unregulated and, in some cases, intentionally programmed so players had no real shot at winning. According to law enforcement, customers often believe they are playing legitimate games with possible payouts, when the machines are instead designed to keep the money flowing in one direction.
“If it looks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, if it swims like a duck, it’s a duck,” Chitwood added during a news conference, pointing out that the machines clearly constitute illegal gambling. He added that some devices examined by investigators were set up to never pay out, calling the practice “theft” and “cheating.”
A push against illegal gambling and cash machines in Florida
The crackdown comes as state officials intensify pressure on illegal gambling operators. Attorney General Uthmeier recently backed tougher penalties for those running unlawful gaming businesses, pushing for stronger consequences to deter repeat offenders and organized networks.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission has also stepped up enforcement. In a separate action, the commission publicly destroyed 147 illegal slot machines that had been confiscated in prior investigations, sending what officials described as a clear message that unauthorized gaming devices will not be returned to circulation.
In Orange County, authorities earlier shut down an illegal gambling operation that was concealed behind a functioning garage door, showcasing how some operators attempt to hide their activities in plain sight.
Uthmeier said about 40 unlawful gambling operations were dismantled over several days in the latest coordinated effort, describing it as a meaningful disruption of organized networks operating across Central Florida.
Chitwood also took aim at landlords who knowingly lease space to these businesses. He urged lawmakers to clarify the legal landscape and take a firm stance.
“You got to make a decision,” Chitwood said. “Either you’re going to legalize it, tax it, and regulate it, or you’re going to shut it down and hold everybody accountable.”
The Volusia County locations targeted included businesses in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, DeLand, Orange City and Deltona. Authorities have not yet released details about arrests or potential charges, but officials said the investigations remain active and more enforcement actions could follow.
Featured image: Screenshot from Volusia Sheriff’s Office via X
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