Florida Gaming Control also seized 100 slot machines and $60,000

Updated June 2, 2025
Updated June 2, 2025By Chris Boline
florida gaming news june 2025

Things are definitely heating up for Sunshine State illegal gaming operators. Per a recent report, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has taken enforcement action against illegal gambling operations at 10 locations in South and Central Florida. Additionally, agents seized nearly 100 illegal slot machines and more than $60,000. The Okeechobee Country Sheriff’s Office, Deland Police Department, Daytona Beach Police Department, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Dade City Police Department, and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office took part in the operations. Seven Notices to Appear have been issued for operators, including charges of Possession of Slot Machines, Keeping of a Gambling House, and Juvenile Possession of Illegal Drugs. Pending investigations cases may cause further charges. 

For this article, SBS will be going over what to look for as it pertains gaming news in Florida and also some more notes and info regarding Sunshine State wagering and beyond. 

Locations were littered across the state of Florida

Per the same article, at a venue in Daytona Beach, agents seized 33 illegal slot machines and more than $8,500 cash. In Dade City, authorities seized 24 machines and more than $33,000, and in DeLand 14 illegal slot machines and more than $8,000. The FGCC noted that slot machines are permitted only in licensed gaming facilities, which ensure player protections, generate state revenue and uphold game integrity. “Anyone found possessing illegal slot machines faces criminal charges and may incur administrative fines up to $10,000 per machine.” it states. 

Florida Gaming Control Commission Acting executive director Ross Marshman commented: “The Commission is proud to stand should to should with our law enforcement partners as we collaboratively tackle illegal gambling throughout our state. Slot machine gaming is only legal in a handful of places across the state – folks can check out our website to see the map of those authorized locations. Communities and business owners should be wary of any establishments operating these types of gaming devices outside those authorized locations.” Earlier this year, the FGCC and Leon County Sheriff’s Office shut three illegal casinos in the Tallahassee area in an operation dubbed Operation Westside, per the same article. 

SPGA applauds Florida’s rejection of anti-gaming bills

Also noted earlier this month, two bills, State Senate Bill 1404 and House Bill 1467, tried to make certain digital promotions and internet games illegal. However, these bills did not make it through before the 2025 legislative session ended. Per another recent article, this news got a thumbs-up from the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA). The SPGA has made itself known as a loud critic of what it sees as policies that go too far and stifle innovative ideas. The group pointed out a growing trend across the country, noting that lawmakers in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi have also pushed back on similar bills in recent weeks. 

Noted in other spaces, the two Florida proposals, back in part by Sen. Corey Simon, aimed to ban dual-currency sweepstakes gaming, internet casino-style play, and sports betting, which is not run under the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact. If these bills had passed, they would have created felony-level punishments for taking part in certain online games, even if those games did not involved gambling methods. 

Critics of the bills said the wording was too vague and could catch popular promotional campaigns by big brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks. Moreover, people worried about how the laws might affect the economy. Those against the bills claimed that putting these limits in place would not just restrict what consumers can do but also cut down on legal business activities. This could worsen the state’s massive budget gap

Session extension won’t be enough to revive bills

Even though Governor Ron DeSantis can stretch out the session and look at stuck proposals again, the current extra time, going until early June, is just to talk about the budget. This means SB 1404 and HB 1467 will not advance this year. SPGA spokespeople stressed that this result shows lawmakers should work more with digital gaming companies. The group said smarter, team-based rules beat what they called “knee-jerk laws” driven by wrong information and concerns

Explained in the same article, industry experts point out that Florida’s no vote on the bills matches recent lawmaking trends in other states, with similar plans getting shelved in many jurisdictions. At the same time, states like New York and Connecticut keep talking about their own anti-sweepstakes rules. For the time being, digital fun platforms in Florida have dodged new limits, and industry backers are toasting the choice as a victory for both new ideas and user freedom. Indeed, this ongoing saga will continue to have more twists and turns.

Additional notes regarding Florida gaming updates

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 info for you only at SBS. Of course, for even more info on the topic covered here, the Florida sports betting guide has you covered with all the latest notes coming from the area. Conversely, for those also looking for an excellent outlet to explore, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown has your back. For qualified customers, this page goes over all the perks of BetOnline and if it is the right outlet for you. Finally, for those qualified customers on the go, the best betting apps breakdown is a fantastic page that goes over the perks of mobile betting and beyond. 

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About the Author

Chris Boline
Chris Boline

As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education

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