“This year’s results show our commitment to protecting Florida’s communities and preserving the integrity of regulated gaming,” said FGCC officials in a year-end press release. Enforcement actions included state-wide raids, coordinated with local and federal law enforcement partners.
Illegal gambling remains a concern in Florida, where only licensed pari-mutuel facilities and tribal gaming operations are authorized to host slot machine gaming under state law. Outside of these legal venues, any gambling machines or games are considered unlawful and subject to seizure.
In addition to targeting land-based illegal gaming operations, the Commission also took action against online gambling operators, issuing cease-and-desist notices to several overseas sites found to be offering unauthorized betting services to Florida residents.
Law enforcement partners described the operations as part of a sustained effort to shut down underground gambling enterprises, remove unsafe and unregulated machines from neighborhoods, and send a clear message that illegal gaming will not be tolerated.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal gambling activities to the FGCC and to ensure they only patronize licensed gambling establishments where legal protections apply.
As Florida heads into 2026, officials say they will continue to build on this momentum with expanded enforcement and public education campaigns to combat illegal gaming and its associated risks.
