Raids in Venice, Sarasota web unlawful slot machines, money

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and state gaming management brokers raided two unlawful institutions in Sarasota and Venice Wednesday night time.

More than $62,000 in money and 69 unlawful slot machines have been seized within the raids, dubbed Operation Early Morning.

Search warrants have been served at Bingo Palace, 2029 South Tamiami Trail in Venice, and an unnamed on line casino at 4235 Clark Road in Sarasota.

During the operation, investigators recognized 39 unlawful slot machines on the Venice location and 30 unlawful slot machines on the Sarasota location, which have been seized by state brokers.

This operation comes because the Florida Legislature accredited two new enforcement items for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, with one to be positioned in Sarasota County, offering extra enforcement presence in Southwest Florida.

“Illegal casinos are spreading into communities across Florida, and they require a focused, coordinated law enforcement response,” FGCC Director of Gaming Enforcement L. Carl Herold mentioned in a information launch.

“The new Sarasota County-based enforcement unit will help us respond more quickly, build stronger local partnerships, and keep the pressure on illegal gambling operators who believe they can profit by ignoring Florida law,” he mentioned.

Gambling machines are permitted solely in authorized gaming services, and authorized slot machines can be found in eight licensed pari-mutuel services in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, in addition to at sure services operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

It is towards the legislation to supply slot machine gaming or any unauthorized playing at any unlicensed facility in Florida. A map of approved areas is on the market at FLGaming.gov/locations.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office investigation stays ongoing.