Another Massive Gambling Bust in Florida: This One the Biggest Yet

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the takedown of an illegal casino gambling ring operating throughout four Florida counties including Volusia, Brevard, Flagler and Duval.  The latter county is home to Florida's largest city, Jacksonville. 

Authorities seized 525 gaming machines and nearly $200,000 in cash over a 48 hour period the end of this past week. Uthmeier said the number is likely to continue rising as the investigation progresses.

Sports bars, taverns, gas stations and convenience stores were among those raided. 

This operation comes as lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass House Bill 189, which looks to impose stiffer penalties on illegal gambling operators popping up across the state. 

“It also brings in human trafficking and drugs, prostitution, and all kinds of other problems for these communities,” said State Rep. Jason Shoaf, R- Port St. Joe.

“What we’re finding is that a lot of these bad actors are getting closed down only to open up a few doors down or a few streets away under a misdemeanor penalty. So, this will create a third-degree felony,” said State Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce.

Florida's legislative period in 2026 ends on March 13. 

Where the Gambling Busts Occurred 

Volusia County

   Murphy’s Bar
   Buzzard’s Roost
   Stop and Save
   Sea Drift Sports Bar
   Old Papi’s Bar
   Preview Games
   Old Glenwood Tavern
   Blackie’s Bar

Brevard County

   Jonathan's of Cocoa Beach
   Slide Inn
   BP Gas Station
   Side Pocket
   Dog & Bone British Pub
   Gold Lion Bar and Deli
   Pinto’s Lounge
   Chevron Gas Station
   Discount Beverage and Grocery
   Sunoco Gas Station
   Unknown Name Casino

Duval County

   Captain Odies (BAR)
   Cliff's Bar and Grill (RESTAURANT)
   Lucky Food Mart (CONVENIENCE STORE)
   Sam Food Store (CONVENIENCE STORE)
   Shores Pub Mandarin (BAR)
   Monkey's Uncle (BAR)
   Tienda y Restaurant el Primo (RESTAURANT)
   Sunoco (CONVENIENCE STORE)
   Speedway Food Store (CONVENIENCE STORE)
   Bald Eagle Pub (BAR)
   Rascal's Pub (BAR)
   Jammes Pub (BAR)
   The Jug Saloon (BAR)
   Graybeards Bar (BAR)
   Tradewinds Bar (BAR)
   Unknown Name Casino
   Onyx Nails

Flagler County

   Smiles Nite Club
   Crossroads Tavern
   1405 Saloon
   Ike's Saloon 

• Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com