More than 500 gaming machines and $190,000 in illicit proceeds were seized in a crackdown on illegal gambling across multiple Florida counties, authorities said.
The seizures took place at 39 locations across Volusia, Brevard, Duval, and Flagler counties, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Friday.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office officials said the undercover investigation was dubbed “Operation Reels of Fortune.”
Flagler County Sheriff’s OfficeFlagler County Sheriff’s Office
Images from “Operation Reels of Fortune”
The machines were seized from restaurants, bars, gas stations, sham arcades, and standalone illegal casinos, Uthmeier said.
Some of the businesses were unmarked and some masquerading as other businesses such as nail salons and beauty supply stores, he added.
The 525 devices seized included stand-up slot machines, PC slot machines, tabletop machines, coin-push machines, and fish table machines.
“Unlawful gambling operations often play a role as the financial backing behind criminal networks,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “These illegal casinos fuel organized crime, prostitution, and other illicit activities. Florida will see a major statewide crackdown on illegal gaming in 2026. If you’re running an illegal operation, don’t roll the dice; shut it down now.”