Published on: February 27, 2026, at 11:02 AM.
Updated on: February 27, 2026, at 11:02 AM.
- Florida intensifies efforts to combat unlawful gambling
- Law enforcement conducted raids on 39 establishments in just two days
- Over 500 gambling devices were confiscated
In Florida, illegal gambling venues disguised as arcades and other unauthorized businesses are facing heightened scrutiny. Authorities in the Sunshine State are vigorously pursuing action against these unlawful enterprises.
On Friday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, along with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, revealed that a two-day sting operation aimed at unlawful gambling activities in Volusia, Brevard, Duval, and Flagler counties led to the confiscation of 525 slot machines and $190,000 in illegal profits. Uthmeier stated that warrants were executed at 39 locations.
“Illegal gambling operations frequently serve as financial support for criminal organizations. These unauthorized casinos contribute to organized crime, prostitution, and various additional illegal activities,” Uthmeier articulated.
“In 2026, Florida will implement a comprehensive crackdown on illegal gaming. If you’re running an unauthorized operation, don’t gamble on your future. Close it down now,” the Attorney General urged.
Florida’s Gambling Crisis
The Seminole Tribe of Florida holds exclusive rights to operate slot machines outside the jurisdictions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The owner of Hard Rock also retains exclusivity for house-banked table games statewide.
Currently, Florida’s lenient penalties for illegal gambling, typically classified as misdemeanors for operating unregulated establishments, have led to a surge of unlicensed gambling machines.
Many of these establishments openly promote their operations, advertising as arcades featuring “cherry” games. Their storefronts often have blacked-out windows and require an employee to grant entry to customers, providing minimal resistance to police personnel.
Uthmeier and the FGCC are advocating for state lawmakers to enhance gaming penalties from misdemeanors to felonies, believing that stronger repercussions would deter illicit operators from reopening after being prosecuted. Senate Bill 1580 is proposed to achieve this.
SB1580 has successfully passed through the Senate Regulated Industries and Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Appropriations committees. A full Senate vote is anticipated shortly.
All Games of Chance Prohibited
Florida’s gambling raids have targeted not only traditional slot machines typically found in licensed casinos but also PC gaming machines, tabletop games, coin-push machines, and fish table games. Any game that involves placing a cash wager for the opportunity to win money is classified as gambling.
These raids encountered not just standalone arcades but also businesses falsely operating as nail salons and beauty supply stores.
This initiative supports Attorney General Uthmeier’s 2026 goal of enforcing a statewide clampdown on illegal gaming operations. The Attorney General has called upon the Florida Legislature to implement reforms to elevate the penalty for maintaining a gambling house to a felony,” concluded the Uthmeier statement.
It is worth noting that illegal slot machines and gambling games found in these arcades often have significantly lower odds. While Hard Rock and Seminole gaming machines are regulated to ensure fair play with guaranteed minimum payout rates, illegal gambling does not offer such protections.