Florida Gaming Commission Shuts Down Illegal Gambling Operations

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has taken enforcement action against illegal gambling activities discovered at seven convenience stores in North and Central Florida. As a result, store owners and managers were issued notices to appear (NTAs) for violations, including the possession of unauthorized slot machines and maintaining an illegal gambling operation.

Enforcement Targets Illegal Gaming Machines

FGCC agents confiscated 35 illegal gaming machines and a total of $19,131.87 in cash found inside them. The commission emphasized that Florida law permits slot machines only in licensed gaming facilities, such as pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and tribal gaming establishments operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Unauthorized gambling devices are prohibited in unlicensed venues.

Ross Marshman, the acting executive director of the FGCC, underscored the importance of compliance with gambling laws, stating, “Standalone illegal casinos aren’t the only ones offering illegal slot machine gaming in this state. Business franchisees, owners, and managers need to be aware of the law. If someone approaches your legitimate business with an opportunity to make more money that seems too good to be true, it probably is. These illegal schemes will result in criminal charges and hurt the business you worked hard to build.”

Locations Raided by Authorities

The FGCC’s enforcement operations targeted the following locations:

• BP Gas Station (Tampa) – Agents seized six gambling machines containing $3,037. Store manager Christopher Merle Cornelius received an NTA for possession of slot machines and keeping a gambling house.
• Los Amigos Grocery & Meats (Tampa) – Authorities confiscated 13 illegal slot machines containing $699. Store manager Mohammad Iqbal Hossain was cited for possession of slot machines and maintaining an illegal gambling house.
• Speedy Mart (Holly Hill) – Four unauthorized gambling devices with $863 in cash were taken. Store owner Hemalibahen Snehal Gandhi was issued an NTA for related offenses.
• Sunoco Gas and Convenience (Indian Harbour Beach) – Agents removed three illegal machines holding $5,665. Store manager Mehta Sejal Chirag received an NTA for illegal gambling violations.
• Mobil Gas & Convenience Store (Indian Harbour Beach) – Authorities confiscated five gambling machines with $375 in cash. Store manager Babulalam Khan was charged with possession of slot machines and running an illegal gambling operation.
• Perry Fast Mart (Perry) – Three machines containing $8,154.77 in cash were seized. Store owner Hua Chen was issued an NTA for gambling violations.
• Katie’s Kountry Store (Perry) – One illegal machine holding $338.10 in cash was removed. Store manager Mosfiqur Rahaman Masrafi was charged with possession of an unauthorized slot machine.

Legal Consequences for Violations

Possessing illegal slot machines in Florida can lead to severe penalties. Those found guilty may face criminal charges, istrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine, and potential suspension of business permits or liquor licenses. The FGCC continues to enforce regulations to uphold gaming integrity, ensure consumer protection, and prevent unauthorized gambling operations.

In a similar effort last December, the FGCC collaborated with law enforcement agencies in Brevard and Volusia counties to shut down illegal casinos. Search warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of additional gambling machines.

Source:

‘’Florida Gaming Control Commission Takes Enforcement Action, Seizes Illegal Gambling Machines and Cash from Seven Convenience Stores in North and Central Florida’’, flgaming.gov, February 25, 2025.