Published on: November 24, 2025, at 09:45h.
Updated on: November 24, 2025, at 09:53h.
- A defendant in a gambling-related illegal operation has presented fresh evidence implicating an alleged associate.
- The former sheriff of Osceola County is among those charged in the illegal gambling case.
- Florida continues to grapple with a significant issue surrounding illegal gambling establishments and unauthorized “arcades.”
The legal proceedings involving a former sheriff in Florida and his estranged spouse have escalated following her rejection of a plea bargain and new claims brought forth by another participant.
Marcos Lopez, the former sheriff of Osceola County, was taken into custody in June on accusations of collaborating with at least two parties to operate unlawful gambling venues across three counties, allegedly receiving kickbacks totaling almost seven figures in exchange for protection.
Following his arrest, Lopez was suspended from his law enforcement position. In September, Casino.org reported that he had allegedly plotted with Krishna Deokaran and Ying Zhang to establish an illicit casino in Kissimmee in December 2022. The Eclipse Social Club, which was later raided by state officials, reportedly yielded nearly $22 million in gaming revenue over two years.
The Gambling Operation of the Sheriff
Lopez’s rise to the position of sheriff in Osceola County was notable, marking him as the first Hispanic individual to assume this role after being elected in 2020 and officially taking office on January 5, 2021.
However, it appears his aspirations to lead a community of nearly half a million residents were not sincere. Instead of prioritizing public safety, Lopez allegedly leveraged his authority for personal financial benefit.
Prosecutors believe the corruption might also involve Lopez’s wife, Robin Severance-Lopez. Now separated, Severance-Lopez declined a plea agreement that would have resolved charges of racketeering and perjury in exchange for probation and her cooperation against her spouse and Deokaran.
Deokaran, who faces charges of running a gambling syndicate and money laundering, is now implicating Severance-Lopez. In newly uncovered court documents, he claims to have given Severance-Lopez cash-filled envelopes, stating, “This is for Marcos.”
Severance-Lopez has rebuffed any claims regarding her participation in the illegal gambling operation, which, besides Eclipse Social, is said to have also involved unlicensed gambling cafes in Sumter and Lake counties. Her legal representatives argue that the prosecution’s case against her primarily hinges on allegations that her husband formed an LLC under her name to redirect illicit profits from the gambling activities.
Although Deokaran’s recent assertions could weaken her defense, her lawyers are likely to contend that he is attempting to shield the former sheriff.
The Gambling Dilemma in Florida
In Florida, legal gambling options are restricted to the six casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe, alongside slot machines at racetracks in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and electronic bingo-type games hosted by the Miccosukee Tribe. Despite these sanctioned avenues, illicit gambling venues, often masquerading as arcades, continue to thrive across the state.
Individuals found guilty of operating illicit gambling businesses in Florida frequently face only misdemeanor charges. A recent proposal aimed at elevating these offenses to felonies failed to pass in the House of Representatives earlier this year.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission is actively prompting residents to report suspected illegal gambling operations, many of which do not go to great lengths to hide their unauthorized slot machines. Numerous establishments rent retail spaces, conceal their windows, and secure their entries, requiring patrons to use a buzzer for entry.
Residents are encouraged to submit tips here.