Florida authorities say two suspected illegal gambling businesses in Sarasota County were shut down during a coordinated operation that resulted in dozens of gaming machines being confiscated along with more than $62,000 in cash.
The May 27 action brought together the Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Search warrants were served at Bingo Palace on South Tamiami Trail in Venice and at another gambling location on Clark Road in Sarasota as part of Operation Early Morning.
Investigators reported finding 69 unauthorized slot machines between the two sites. According to officials, 39 machines were removed from the Venice business and 30 were taken from the Sarasota location. Deputies also recovered $62,376 in cash connected to the machines. The case remains under investigation.
The Sarasota County operation is the latest step in a statewide campaign targeting gambling businesses that operate outside Florida’s legal and regulated framework. Recent enforcement actions in neighboring Manatee County and elsewhere have reflected growing concern among authorities about the spread of unlicensed gaming establishments.
Sarasota illegal machines raid part of Florida enforcement effort
State officials say the Sarasota raids fit into a larger pattern of enforcement activity that has intensified over the past year. The Florida Gaming Control Commission has repeatedly announced investigations aimed at illegal casinos, adult arcades, and unauthorized slot machine operations. In earlier actions, authorities reported seizing hundreds of machines, including a crackdown that resulted in the confiscation of 623 illegal gambling devices across multiple locations.
Officials argue that these businesses bypass regulatory oversight and can create conditions that attract additional criminal activity.
“Illegal gambling operations are not harmless businesses. They operate outside the law, avoid oversight, create opportunities for crime, and take money from Florida communities,” said Florida Gaming Control Commission Chair Julie Brown. “This operation reflects our continued commitment to working with law enforcement partners to protect Floridians and enforce the law wherever illegal gambling activity is found.”
The enforcement push is expected to gain additional resources. Lawmakers recently approved two new enforcement units for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, with one assigned to Sarasota County to bolster efforts across southwest Florida.
“The Legislature’s support for additional enforcement officers is timely and important,” said FGCC Director of Gaming Enforcement L. Carl Herold. “Illegal casinos are spreading into communities across Florida, and they require a focused, coordinated law enforcement response. The new Sarasota County-based enforcement unit will help us respond more quickly, build stronger local partnerships, and keep the pressure on illegal gambling operators who believe they can profit by ignoring Florida law.”
Local authorities say cooperation between agencies will remain a key part of future investigations.
“We are proud to work alongside Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement and their effort to address illegal gaming operations and adult arcades,” Hoffman said. “These businesses often attract additional criminal activity and have no place in our community. Through strong partnerships and proactive enforcement efforts, we remain committed to protecting our residents, and ensuring Sarasota County remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.”
The gaming commission said it will continue partnering with federal, state, and local agencies to investigate unlawful gambling operations and support criminal cases throughout Florida.
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