A multi-agency task force brought a high-stakes illegal gambling network in Manatee County to a screeching halt last week. In a coordinated effort known as “Operation Silent Spin,” the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations raided three separate locations, seizing 265 illegal machines and over $120,000 in cash proceeds.
The crackdown targeted three specific hubs of activity. Spin City Arcade was hit hardest, with authorities hauling out 155 slot machines and nearly $78,500 in cash.
Another arcade lost 61 machines and roughly $24,000, while Mike’s Arcade saw 49 machines and about $18,000 confiscated. Beyond the money and hardware, the operation resulted in several criminal charges and the filing of immigration detainers…