Detectives seized 231 illegal slot machines from three gambling establishments while executing warrants this week.
on Thursday night, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Detectives, including city and county detectives from Clermont, Groveland, Eustis and Leesburg Police Departments and agents from the Florida Gaming Control Commission, executed search warrants at three suspected illegal gambling establishments in Lake County.
Investigations into the establishments were opened after receiving citizen complaints. During the investigations, probable cause was developed to obtain search warrants for all three locations, and at the conclusion of the searches, deputies and agents seized:
- House of Treasures, 37826 SR 19, Umatilla – 56 machines, $75,619 [Three notices to appear (Employees) (LCSO search warrant)]
- The Hub, 3805 W Main St., Leesburg – 98 machine, $46,597 [Two notices to appear (FGCC search warrant)]
- Hotseats, 25327 U.S. Hwy. 27, Leesburg – 77 machines, $36,621 [Two notices to appear (FGCC search warrant)]
Notice to appear charges include possession of slot machines and keeping of a gambling house.
“I would like to thank Director Harold and the men and women of the Florida Gaming Control Commission for their partnership with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Peyton Grinnell. “We will continue these operations to eradicate this illegal activity and arrest those that are responsible.”
“We thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for partnering with the Florida Gaming Control Commission to close these illegal gaming establishments in our state,” said Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “It is impressive to take 231 illegal slot machines off the streets in one night. We are giving notice to those who want to operate illegal gambling facilities that we will close you down.”
Citizens who suspect illegal gambling may file an anonymous report with the Florida Gaming Control Commission via their website at www.flgaming.gov. A list of legal gaming facilities is available on the FGCC website as well.