Authorities in Lee County are intensifying their crackdown on illegal gambling activities. This comes as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Gaming Control Commission conducted raids at two arcades in Fort Myers.
On Wednesday, deputies targeted Spinners Arcade on San Carlos Boulevard and Royal Arcade on Cleveland Avenue. This follows similar actions taken three weeks ago at Miscue Lounge and Vegas Knights, where deputies also swooped in for illegal gambling activities.
Dena, who works at Royal Arcade, shared her thoughts on the closure.
“Horrible,” said Dena. “Because it was a fun place to work, wonderful people. I had a lot of customers here, which was amazing. 85% of them were all older people, so it was just a fun place to be.”
The investigation into these businesses is ongoing, with authorities meticulously examining the operations. State law only allows gambling in licensed facilities such as the Immokalee Casino.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission is spearheading these investigations, having shut down several illegal gaming arcades over the past few months, including five in a single month.
This concerted effort by law enforcement underscores their commitment to curbing illegal gambling in the area.