Three businesses in Lee County were raided today by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for illegal gambling activities. Miscue Lounge, Vegas Knights, and Royal Arcade are now under investigation by the Florida Gaming Commission.
Reese Turner, a frequent customer at Vegas Knights, shared his experiences with WINK News.
“I’ve come in here and I’ve done really well winning money, and I’ve also lost, lost my shirt at times too,” said Turner.
Turner arrived at Vegas Knights ready to play but found the doors closed. He said he’s had both wins and losses there.
“Think about $1,700,” Turner said. “Lot of times people say it’s luck, but I found myself that there’s times that I’m on fire, and then there’s, you know, other times that I, you know, I couldn’t buy, buy a game,” he said.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was on scene at the Misque Lounge in Fort Myers as part of an operation to close several illegally run arcades.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Gaming Commission shut down the businesses on Wednesday.
The Cape Coral Police Department reported that a similar raid happened just a week ago in Cape Coral, closing two businesses.
“These locations do not pay the taxes, and they are typically a nexus for other secondary crime that’s bad for the communities,” said Carl Harold of the Florida Gaming Commission.
WINK News cameras captured a glimpse inside Vegas Knights, showing where customers like Turner would gamble.
Turner left the parking lot with his money and a warning for others.
“I’ve heard the horror stories like of elderly people coming in here, you know, on a fixed income and, you know, boom, yeah, that’s that. That’s heartbreaking. And, you know, people come in here and, you know, just try to, you know, add to their, you know, add to their pocket or whatnot,” he said.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office expects to release the amount of money confiscated by tomorrow. While Vegas Knights remain completely closed, Miscue Lounge is still open for its pool hall and bar.