- Seven Cape Coral, Florida, gaming businesses were shut down following police raids targeting illegal casino operations.
- Police, in conjunction with the Florida Gaming Commission, executed search warrants at six arcades and one residence, seizing more than $540,000 and 428 gambling machines.
- Authorities claim the establishments, which often targeted vulnerable elderly residents, used rigged machines to ensure customer losses.
- While no arrests have been made yet, police have identified persons of interest and anticipate further enforcement actions.
Six Cape Coral gaming businesses are closed after police targeted illegal casinos operating in the city, with hundreds of machines seized.
In collaboration with the Florida Gaming Commission, police served search warrants at arcades, with police calling it the first operations of its kind in Southwest Florida.
The morning of Aug. 22, police served the warrants at six casinos and one residence.
Police said the businesses preyed particularly upon elderly residents struggling with gambling addiction.
Preliminary analysis revealed that the operators deliberately calibrated the machines to ensure consistent losses for patrons, further exploiting those at risk, the release indicates.
During searches, investigators seized:
∎ More than $540,000 in cash
∎ 428 gambling machines
No arrests have been made, police said, adding that they identified multiple people of interest.
The investigation is in the early stages, with additional enforcement efforts expected, police said.
More than 90 members of the Cape police staff participated in the raids.
Casino locations where police served the warrants are:
∎ Vegas Style Games – 1119 Del Prado Blvd S. #2.
∎ Jacks Arcade – 1480 NE Pine Island Road #1C.
∎ Senior Chuckies – 111 Del Prado Blvd. N. #10.
∎ White Sands – 2710 Del Prado Blvd. S.Â
∎ Jackpot Corner – 1242 SW Pine Island Road.
∎ Jackpot Island – 900 SW Pine Island Road.
