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Read Full BioThe Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) updated its numbers for an illegal gambling raid last week, announcing that it seized over $350,000 and 623 slot machines. As the state continues to deal with illegal gambling, lawmakers are advancing legislation to create stricter enforcement against operators.
The FGCC conducted Operation Reel of Fortune in conjunction with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and law enforcement over three days last week.
The operation saw raids on at least 39 locations in four counties: Duval, Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard. Machines were seized from restaurants, bars, gas stations, sham arcades, and standalone illegal casinos.
In a press release, the Attorney General’s office said some venues were unmarked, and some masqueraded as other businesses, such as nail salons and beauty supply stores.
AG Uthmeier warned that his office would be targeting more illegal gambling businesses this year, stating, “Unlawful gambling operations often play a role as the financial backing behind criminal networks. These illegal casinos fuel organized crime, prostitution, and other illicit activities.
“Florida will see a major statewide crackdown on illegal gaming in 2026. If you’re running an illegal operation, don’t roll the dice; shut it down now.”
2026 Sees Continued Raids on Illegal Gambling
Last year, the FGCC seized a total of $14.5 million in funds from illicit gambling and 6,725 illegal machines. The agency has continued in a similar vein this year. Raids in January saw the seizure of 231 machines and over $157,000.
Commission Chair Julie Brown thanked Governor Ron DeSantis, Uthmeier, the Florida Legislature, and law enforcement for their help in the latest raid. She added, “These actions are protecting Floridians from predators who mislead unsuspecting citizens. True collaboration is key to a significant outcome such as today.”
The Attorney General said it wants the Florida Legislature to enact reforms to increase the penalty for keeping a gambling house to a felony.
Lawmakers Advance Anti-Gambling Bill
Florida downgraded the crime of operating an illegal gambling house to a misdemeanor six years ago, but lawmakers are advancing legislation that would increase the penalty to a third-degree felony.
The Senate Rules Committee voted 21-1 in favor of SB1580 on Tuesday. Having already passed through two other committees, the bill will now likely go to a full vote on the Senate floor before moving to the House, if approved.
It is one of two pieces of legislation that propose harsher punishments for illegal gambling. HB189 remains under consideration in the House after being reported out of the Commerce Committee.
That legislation could also see sweepstakes casinos made explicitly illegal in Florida. The bill’s text says it would be a felony to “operate, conduct, or promote illegal gambling, Internet gambling, or Internet sports wagering.”
Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood echoed Uthmeier’s calls for lawmakers to take decisive action to increase penalties. He stated, “These casinos are connected to money laundering, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. We will keep taking them down with our partners like the Attorney General and the Gaming Control Commission, but we really need further action from the Legislature to address this problem statewide.”
The legislative session in Florida runs until March 13, leaving just over a week for the House and Senate to pass bills and get them ready for Gov. DeSantis to sign.
