The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has raided four businesses accused of running illegal gambling operations. Their operation was carried out in tandem with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC).
“These unregulated machines rarely pay out because they are set for the house to win,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. “Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime. Often, it fuels other crime and preys on residents who are often elderly and on a limited income in the hopes of a big win.”
The four locations hit in the raid were the 1405 Saloon, Crossroads Tavern, Ike’s Saloon, and Palm Coast Lanes. They were part of a larger investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies that spanned Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, and Duval counties.
Detectives with the FCSO Special Investigations Unit (SIU) seized 20 gambling machines and $16,856.80 in cash, the agency said in a statement on the raids. They called the initiative ‘Operation Reels of Fortune’.
No individuals were arrested in the raids, the FCSO says. Still, the operation may not be entirely without consequence. The owners of the four businesses may face fines of up to $10,000 for their alleged illegal gambling operations.
“The Florida Gaming Control Commission is very impressed with this fabulous collaboration with our law enforcement partners during the ‘Reels of Fortune’ operation,” added FGCC Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “With so many agencies coming together, we are amplifying our impressive results. The citizens of Florida are the real winners as more and more illegal casinos are shuttered. Thank you, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, for being a part of this important effort.”
