Overview
- The multi‑agency Operation Sunset Stakes, announced Wednesday, recovered 479 illegal gaming machines, about $294,000 in alleged proceeds and led to 11 arrests in Lee and Collier counties.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier said Florida has seized roughly 3,114 illegal machines so far this year and made 81 arrests, numbers that officials say approach last year’s statewide totals.
- Uthmeier’s office sent cease‑and‑desist letters to Visa, Mastercard and American Express urging them to stop processing transactions for named offshore sites like Bovada, BetNow and BetOnline.
- Officials say illegal gambling venues often tie into larger crimes such as money laundering, embezzlement and drug trafficking, which they plan to address through expanded enforcement and RICO‑style charges.
- Authorities plan to expand enforcement capacity in Southwest Florida and warn consumers that illegal operations offer no recourse or protections and can expose patrons to fraud and theft.