Seized cash, a gold bar, and other items/paraphernalia are at the center of a forfeiture lawsuit that Florida prosecutors allege centers around a multimillion-dollar gambling ring. Additionally, a link to a Belize casino adds an international angle to the gaming probe, a new article points out. Per the same update, a St. Augustine, Fla. woman accused of running the illegal operation catering to seniors is asking a judge to return $340,872 in cash and a gold-colored bar. This was seized during a July traffic stop, according to a lawsuit filed in St. Johns County Circuit Court. Rima Ray, 44, was arrested July 21st in St. Johns County in connection with what prosecutors are calling a $24 million racket built around Villagio Senior Entertainment Center in Lady Lake.
In this report, SBS will be going over the latest gambling news and updates coming from the Sunshine State, along with some additional notes and beyond.
Noted in the update, the gaming venue, which was raided and shut down by police in July, “lured” seniors into play on its illegal slot-style machines with offers of free food and drink, according to the State Attorney’s Office. According to an international outlet as well, Ray has also been linked to the Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, Belize, where she is referred to as “Remington Ray.” Additionally, another report claimed Ray “was born a female … transitioned to a man.” The article in question is using she/her pronouns when referring to Ray, as it is unclear which she prefers, and that is how she is identified in US court documents.
Per the same article, around 190 slot machines and $348,221 in cash were seized in the Florida raid. Investigators say that between January 2023 and July 2025, more than $24 million flowed through accounts connected to the operation. Much through shell companies and overseas accounts. Some $3 million went directly into Ray’s personal account. She was the business’s CEO and reported less than $20,000 in annual income to the IRS, according to prosecutors. She faces RICO, money-laundering, keeping a gambling house, and possession of slot machines charges.
“This was a lucrative and highly illegal operation that targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our community – our seniors,” State Attorney Bill Gladson said. “Illegal gambling houses are not harmless entertainment. They open the door to exploitation, financial crimes, and other serious criminal activity.” When deputies pulled over Ray on July 2nd, they found a backpack stuffed with the cash and a one-kilogram gold-colored bar. However, she wants it back as her complaint argues the seizure violated the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.
Florida law generally requires a seizing agency to seek a probable-cause determination within 10 business days of the seizure and to inform owners of the right to an adversarial preliminary hearing. Agencies are also required to adopt written policies promoting the prompt release of property when there is no lawful basis to hold it. The complaint seeks the item’s return along with legal fees. Moreover, the report says, Ray is the alleged owner of the Caribi Bleu Casino in Belize, according to the national report. Last year, the outlet found that an ATM at the casino was dispensing US currency, which is illegal in the Central American nation.
Lead-up to the arrest of the illegal operations’ staff, including CEO Ray, 44, business manager Terrance Morgan, 69, and assistant manager Barbara Buzzard, 67, began in February 2025. Multiple complaints led investigators to the IL Villagio Senior Entertainment Center in Lady Lake, which the residents described as “a local version of the Hard Rock Casino.” Undercover FGCC agents subsequently found the center operating as an illicit gambling establishment with slot-style machines. A search warrant was executed on the premises on July 15th, with law enforcement seizing $348,221 in cash and 190 slot machines.
As noted above, Gladson stated the operation was “lucrative and highly illegal” and preyed on “some of the most vulnerable members of our community.” Indeed, this is not the first, nor will it be the last, kind of raid and crackdown of this kind of establishment in the Sunshine State. Of course, with the status of gaming evolving on a near-daily basis in Florida, it remains to be seen how new laws will impact this sort of establishment. For now, though, it appears that this highly illegal activity is being monitored very closely by authorities in Florida to make sure that its citizens are protected as well.
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gambling notes and news coming from the Sunshine State, make sure to check out the excellent array of information for you at SBS. For additional insights on the state in this report, the Florida sports betting guide has you covered with all of the latest betting news and notes coming from the region. Conversely, for those who are interested and qualify, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown is a must-read page that covers all kinds of great updates coming from the outlet and more. Finally, for those who are eligible, the best bonus betting sites breakdown is a must-read page. Here, you can explore a catalogue of the latest and greatest welcome bonus offers available to you.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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