The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has raided three locations, seizing 231 illegal gambling machines and over $157,000 in illegal gambling proceeds in Lake County.
Conducted under the code name ‘Calvin Coolidge,’ the FGCC operation targeted three locations believed to be housing unlawful gambling houses in Lake County’s Umatilla and Leesburg on Thursday (January 8). The raid saw the seizure of 231 illegal gambling machines and over $157,000 in illegal gambling proceeds, one of many recent raids as the state cracks down on illegal gambling operators.
FGCC and the Lake County Sheriff's Office shut down three locations and seized illegal slot machines and cash. Read more here: pic.twitter.com/TevCQA67wo
— Florida Gaming Control Commission (@FLGamingControl) January 9, 2026
The three locations were identified through the joint means of complaints, intelligence gathering, and investigative efforts from the FGCC.
“These enforcement actions demonstrate our commitment to protecting Florida communities and preserving the integrity of the state’s gaming laws,” said FGCC Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “Illegal gambling operations undermine lawful businesses and exploit patrons. FGCC will continue to work proactively with law enforcement partners to shut them down.”
A joint effort tackle illegal gambling in Florida
The FGCC partnered with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to raid the House of Treasure in Umatilla and two locations – Hot Seats and The Hub – in Leesburg. Investigators seized 56 illegal gambling machines, including slot machines and fish tables, along with $75,619 in cash, at the House of Treasure. Hot Seats is one of the gaming spots tied to the criminal case involving Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez.
At the other two locations, 77 illegal gambling machines and $35,621 in suspected gambling proceeds were seized at Hot Seats, while 98 illegal gambling machines and $46,597 in cash were found at The Hub.
Notices to Appear were issued at all of the locations for possession of slot machines and keeping a gambling house.
According to Florida gambling laws, gambling machines are permitted only in legal gaming facilities. What’s more, there are only eight licensed facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward outside of those operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under their exclusive tribal rights. The punishment for illegal possession of slot machines ranges from second-degree misdemeanor for a first conviction to a third-degree felony for repeat offenders, which can result in anything from financial fines of up to $5,000 to up to five years in person, or both.
Keeping a gambling house is typically a more serious crime in Florida, often being classified as a third-degree felony and carrying penalties of up to five years in prison, a financial fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Featured image: Google Maps
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