‘First of its kind’: Massive illegal casino gambling ring dismantled in Central Florida, Uthmeier says
By Allison Petro
Click here for updates on this story
TITUSVILLE, Florida (WESH) — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the takedown of an illegal casino gambling ring operating throughout Central Florida.
Uthmeier said the counties involved were Volusia, Brevard, Flagler and Duval.
Authorities seized 525 gaming machines and nearly $200,000 in cash. Uthmeier said the number is likely to continue rising as the investigation progresses.
He said this practice continues to happen because current penalties are too low, with offenders often facing only misdemeanor charges.
Uthmeier said the gambling operation not only sucks revenue from the state’s economy, but also facilitates more serious crimes.
Some of these crimes include human trafficking, money laundering and even drug smuggling.
Uthmeier said he’s been calling on the legislature to increase the penalties for illegal gambling, advocating for felony charges against those involved in these activities.
On Jan. 9, Senate Bill 1580 was filed. This bill would increase the penalty for those who operate an illegal gambling house.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.