Florida Gaming Control Commission

Shutters Three Illegal Gambling Sites in Lake County

LEESBURG, Fla. — The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) carried out a coordinated, multi-location enforcement operation on January 8 that resulted in the seizure of 231 illegal gambling machines and over $157,000 in illegal gambling proceeds in Lake County.

The operation, conducted under the operational name Calvin Coolidge, involved the execution of search warrants at three locations operating as unlawful gambling houses in Umatilla and Leesburg. The targeted locations were identified through complaints, intelligence gathering, and investigative efforts confirming the presence of illegal slot machines.

“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.”

At the House of Treasure, located at 37826 FL-19 in Umatilla, the FGCC partnered with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which served as the lead agency. Investigators seized 56 illegal gambling machines, including slot machines and fish tables, along with $75,619 in currency recovered from the machines. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued three Notices to Appear for possession of slot machines and keeping a gambling house. 

FGCC agents also executed search warrants at two locations in Leesburg. At Hot Seats, located at 25327 U.S. Highway 27, Unit 202, agents seized 77 illegal gambling machines and $35,621 in suspected gambling proceeds. Two Notices to Appear were issued for possession of slot machines and keeping a gambling house.

At The Hub, located at 3805 West Main Street in Leesburg, agents seized 98 illegal gambling machines and $46,597 in currency. Two additional Notices to Appear were issued for the same offenses.  

Information on the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC)

Gambling machines are permitted only in legal gaming facilities, and legal slot machines are available in eight licensed pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as at certain facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is against the law to offer slot machine gaming or any unauthorized gambling at any unlicensed facility in Florida. A map of authorized locations is available at FLGaming.gov/locations.

The mission of the Florida Gaming Control Commission is to preserve and protect the integrity of gaming activities in Florida through fair regulation, licensing, effective criminal investigation, and enforcement. Any concerns about illegal gambling activities or facilities in Florida can be reported online at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, by email at Tipline@FLGaming.gov, or by phone at 850-880-3433.