Florida’s law enforcement and government agencies have been taking action against illegal gambling operators within the state. Action has seen the police raiding unlicensed physical casinos and arcades. Officials have pointed out that not only are these businesses breaking the law, but they do not pay taxes to the state.
Florida’s strict gambling laws mean that most forms of gambling are prohibited. There are no retail casinos, other than those built on and operating on tribal land. Currently, online gamblers play at offshore casinos and casino apps, which offer a wide array of casino games as well as various payment options.
Illegal Gambling Venues
Even though physical casinos and other venues offering games of chance and gambling machines are prohibited, many exist in the state. Officials claim it has been too difficult or expensive to do anything about the venues, while critics point to minimal penalties that can be applied. Currently, illegal gambling venue operators typically get away without serving any prison time, unless prosecutors can link the individuals to further and more serious crimes.
Premises Raided
However, local and state police instigated a sting against an illegal gambling network brazenly operating in South Florida, in January. Numerous premises in Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach and Zephyrhills were raided by authorities.
Slot machines and cash were confiscated at many of the premises and around half a dozen people face charges of money laundering, while officers of a company that supplied the machines to the illegal arcades are also facing prosecution.
Operation Fools Treasure
Police have said the operation, named “Operation Fools Treasure” began way back in 2019 but built up a head of steam in 2022 when the Money Laundering Unit of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office took over. Undercover officers posed as gamblers to play in the casinos.
During the operation, officers witnessed the casino giving out cash prizes, which is illegal in the state, except in tribal casinos and some parimutuel betting establishments.
VIP Sweepstakes
One of the raided casinos was VIP Sweepstakes, which operated on N. Military Trail. Rather than looking like a backstreet illegal gambling den, it was lined with brightly lit machines, lit by chandeliers, and offered players free meals to encourage them to stay and continue playing.
Earlier Closures
The most recent move against illegal physical casinos comes after a similar, albeit less high-profile, operation in December. At that time, officials closed down casinos in Volusia and Brevard counties. In total, seven illegal operations were closed down.
Officials described five of the venues as being illegal casinos and said they removed illegal gambling machines from a further two businesses.
Illegal Online Gambling Sites
The state has also made moves against online operators that it says are operating illegally. The Florida Gaming Control Commission has distributed cease-and-desist letters to the operators of BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie, stating that their current activities, offering gambling to Floridians, violate laws within the state.
Although Florida is the first state to take such action against BetUS, Bovada has stopped offering services to 17 US states after similar action by legislators there. MyBookie has also received cease-and-desist letters from other commissions.
Online Casino Regulations Could Be Coming
Online casinos are not currently legal in Florida, but some experts believe it is only a matter of time. The Seminole tribe is currently able to offer mobile sports betting to players in the state, and it is believed that they will open this up to other organizations as a concession to enjoying similar benefits with online casino gambling.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Under current Floridian law, the only legal online casinos are sweepstakes casinos. Sweepstakes casinos operate similarly to traditional online casinos. They offer the same types of games but players need to buy or receive sweepstakes coins. These coins can then be used at the games, which pay out prizes in sweepstakes coins. The coins can then be converted to prizes, which may include cash prizes but will also usually include physical items and other bonuses.
Sweepstakes casinos offer free coins to players, typically through daily giveaways or postal offers. To many people, sweepstakes casinos sail close to what is considered illegal, but they operate in a legal loophole that makes them legitimate.
Lottery Winnings
One form of gambling that is legal in the state is the lottery, and, earlier this week, the Florida Lottery announced that one lucky player had bagged a $108,711.11 jackpot during the Fantasy 5 Tuesday drawing. The ticket was bought from the Publix supermarket in Largo and the player managed to beat odds of 376,992 to 1 to pick up the main prize in the draw. The winning numbers were 23, 31, 33, 34, and 35.
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