Three businesses were busted on allegations of running illegal gambling operations on Florida’s east coast.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) teamed up with the Port Orange Police Department for the crackdown. In the end, some 20 slot machines and two coin pusher machines were confiscated during the investigation, which also seized $25,659 in cash. Three operators of the businesses, which were bars, were charged with possession of slot machines and keeping a gambling house. Each suspect was issued an order to appear in court.

“The Florida Gaming Control Commission is joining with other law enforcement agencies to stop illegal gambling in our state,” said FGCC Executive Director Alana Zimmer. “If businesses are unclear on the legality of their machines, they can contact the FGCC anytime for direction and clarification. This information can also protect their other state-issued licenses, which are often in use at the same establishment.”

Florida prohibits slot machines, except at eight pari-mutuel licensed gaming locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and at another seven in Seminole Tribe facilities in the state.

The FGCC operation that netted the most recent charges happened on Nov. 12 and included:

— Mulligans Grill, 3830 South Nova Road, Port Orange. Agents seized eight illegal slot machines and one coin pusher machine and more than $3,500 in cash.

— Port Hole, 932 Herbert St., Port Orange. Agents seized six illegal slot machines and more than $15,500 in cash.

— The Dog House, 3400 South Nova Road, Port Orange. Agents seized eight illegal slot machines and one coin pusher machine, and $6,000 in cash.

The FGCC has had an elevated profile this year as Zimmer was just appointed Executive Director in October.

In January, FGCC officials and several law enforcement agencies told state lawmakers they needed more leeway in efforts to deter illegal gaming in the state. Several prosecutors and sheriff’s officials said they felt the state could grant more powers, noting that unlawful gaming operations busted often involved people who returned to bogus operations because state penalties weren’t strong enough, beyond some fines.

Lawmakers eventually passed additional legislation (SB 2500), which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed.

There have also been several widely publicized crackdowns on illegal gaming operations throughout 2025 by the FGCC in cooperation with dozens of local law enforcement agencies.

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