\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAttorney General James Uthmeier announced the takedown of an illegal casino gambling ring operating throughout Central Florida.Uthmeier said the counties involved were Volusia, Brevard, Flagler and Duval. Authorities seized 525 gaming machines and nearly $200,000 in cash. Uthmeier said the number is likely to continue rising as the investigation progresses.He said this practice continues to happen because current penalties are too low, with offenders often facing only misdemeanor charges.Uthmeier said the gambling operation not only sucks revenue from the state’s economy, but also facilitates more serious crimes. Some of these crimes include human trafficking, money laundering and even drug smuggling. Uthmeier said he’s been calling on the legislature to increase the penalties for illegal gambling, advocating for felony charges against those involved in these activities.On Jan. 9, Senate Bill 1580 was filed. This bill would increase the penalty for those who operate an illegal gambling house. Locations involvedVolusia CountyMurphy\u2019s Bar Buzzard\u2019s Roost Stop and Save Sea Drift Sports Bar Old Papi\u2019s Bar Preview GamesOld Glenwood TavernBlackie\u2019s BarBrevard County Jonathan’s of Cocoa BeachSlide Inn BP Gas StationSide PocketDog & Bone British PubGold Lion Bar and DeliPinto\u2019s LoungeChevron Gas StationDiscount Beverage and GrocerySunoco Gas StationUnknown Name CasinoDuval CountyCaptain Odies (BAR)Cliff’s Bar and Grill (RESTAURANT)Lucky Food Mart (CONVENIENCE STORE)Sam Food Store (CONVENIENCE STORE)Shores Pub Mandarin (BAR)Monkey’s Uncle (BAR)Tienda y Restaurant el Primo (RESTAURANT)Sunoco (CONVENIENCE STORE)Speedway Food Store (CONVENIENCE STORE)Bald Eagle Pub (BAR)Rascal’s Pub (BAR)Jammes Pub (BAR)The Jug Saloon (BAR)Graybeards Bar (BAR)Tradewinds Bar (BAR)Unknown Name CasinoOnyx NailsFlagler CountySmiles Nite ClubCrossroads Tavern1405 SaloonIke’s Saloon\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tTITUSVILLE, Fla. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the takedown of an illegal casino gambling ring operating throughout Central Florida.<\/p>\n
Uthmeier said the counties involved were Volusia, Brevard, Flagler and Duval. <\/p>\n
Authorities seized 525 gaming machines and nearly $200,000 in cash. Uthmeier said the number is likely to continue rising as the investigation progresses.<\/p>\n
He said this practice continues to happen because current penalties are too low, with offenders often facing only misdemeanor charges.<\/p>\n
Uthmeier said the gambling operation not only sucks revenue from the state’s economy, but also facilitates more serious crimes. <\/p>\n
Some of these crimes include human trafficking, money laundering and even drug smuggling. <\/p>\n
Uthmeier said he’s been calling on the legislature to increase the penalties for illegal gambling, advocating for felony charges against those involved in these activities.<\/p>\n