Several illegal gaming establishments were searched and evidence seized following an investigation and warrant execution by multiple Lake County law enforcement departments.

On June 13, 2024, detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Bureau, in conjunction with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, executed four search warrants at four different illegal gaming establishments in Lake County. Detectives with the Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis and Mount Dora police departments also assisted with the investigation.  

The investigation stemmed from continued concerns that illegal gambling throughout Lake County leads to an increase in law enforcement calls for service, criminal activity and other threats to public safety. 

 “Illegal gambling establishments operate outside the legal, regulated market to exploit vulnerable Floridians. They are usually associated with organized crime, do not generate state tax revenue and do not provide the same consumer protections or safeguards as legal gaming operators,” said Lou Trombetta, FGCC Executive Director. 

 Detectives seized approximately 170 gaming machines and approximately $211,000 from the following locations:  

  • Hot Spot: 11145 U.S. Hwy. 441, Tavares 
  • Hot Spot: 11203 U.S. Hwy. 441, Tavares 
  • Cyber Monkey: 23505 SR 40, Astor 
  • Hot Spot II: 37415 SR 19, Umatilla. 

 Once the search warrants were executed, detectives left each establishment with no means of operating the illegal gambling due to seizing all illegal gaming devices. 

 Additionally, detectives issued misdemeanor notices to appear citations in lieu of physical arrests to six operating employees. The citations were issued with reference to Florida State Statue 849.01, which states it is illegal to keep or maintain a gambling house. The search warrants and the misdemeanor citations issued are part of a continued effort by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to inform business owners, employees and the public that electronic game rooms are unlawful. 

 LCSO detectives plan to continue their efforts to eliminate illegal gaming activity throughout Lake County.