Authorities in Sarasota and Manatee counties recently seized 334 slot machines and nearly $200,000 in cash from businesses they allege were running illegal gambling sites. The raids were carried out in May through a collaboration between local law enforcement and the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
In Sarasota County, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and FGCC raided two locations on May 27: Bingo Palace at 2029 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice, where 39 illegal slot machines were found; and an unnamed casino at 4235 Clark Road in Sarasota, where 30 illegal slot machines were located. Deputies recovered $62,376 in cash from the devices, according to a statement.
In Manatee County, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the FGCC and Homeland Security Investigations, dismantled what authorities called a “multi-location illegal gambling operation.” They seized 265 slot machines and more than $120,000 from three sites in early May: 155 slot machines and $78,483 from Spin City Arcade; 61 slot machines and $24,157 from an unnamed arcade; and 49 slot machines and $18,157 from Mike’s Arcade…