LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Game over!
On June 13, multiple detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Special Investigation Bureau worked alongside the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC).
The two departments joined forces to execute four search warrants at what they say was four different illegal gaming establishments in Lake County.
LCSO says the initial investigation stemmed from concerns that illegal gambling throughout Lake County leads to an increase in law enforcement calls for service, criminal activity and other threats to public safety.
“Illegal gambling establishments operate outside the legal, regulated market to exploit vulnerable Floridians,” said FGCC Executive Director Lou Trombetta. “They are usually associated with organized crime, do not generate state tax revenue, and do not provide the same consumer protections or safeguards as legal gaming operators.”
Search warrants were executed, and detectives say they seized approximately 170 gaming machines and $211,000 from the following locations:
- Hot Spot – 11145 U.S. Highway 441, Tavares
- Hot Spot – 11203 U.S. Highway 441, Tavares
- Cyber Monkey – 23505 State Road 40, Astor
- Hot Spot II – 37415 State Road 19, Umatilla
Detectives also arrested six employees and issued them misdemeanor notices to appear citations.
The citations referenced Florida State Statue 849.01, which states it is illegal to keep or maintain a gambling house.