Florida has intensified illegal gambling enforcement with new busts, even as lawmakers fail to pass new measures. Former Osceola County sheriff receives a hearing.
Florida’s crackdown on illegal gambling is intensifying despite lawmakers failing to pass new measures this session, with a recent Sarasota bust and a high-profile case involving suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez both advancing this week.
Crackdowns Span Statewide Operations
On March 30, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), raided Spin 24/7 Social Club, seizing 66 slot machines and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities arrested two employees, Mohamed Belyaqout and Mabielka C. Cumbrera, on charges including keeping and maintaining a gambling house and possession of slot machines.
The case reflects a broader pattern of operators using social club models to mask casino-style gambling activity.
In late February, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a two-day sting operation spanning Volusia, Brevard, Duval, and Flagler counties, resulting in the seizure of 525 illegal machines and approximately $190,000 in cash across 39 locations.
In a separate January operation in Lake County, authorities seized 231 illegal gambling machines and more than $158,000 in cash.
For 2025, the FGCC has seized over $14.4 million in cash and over 6,700 illegal slot machines. The cash figure was more than double that of 2024.
Suspended Sheriff Receives a Hearing
Developments also continued in one of the state’s most high-profile cases involving suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez.
Lopez faces charges tied to an alleged $21.6 million illegal gambling operation. Prosecutors claim he protected the business in exchange for between $600,000 and $700,000.
On March 31, Lopez appeared before a judge for the first time since posting a $1 million bond in June. The hearing addressed the prosecutors’ concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving one of his defense attorneys, whose firm had previously represented individuals who could be called as witnesses.
A judge ultimately ruled that Lopez knowingly waived any potential conflict, allowing his legal team to remain in place.
Further proceedings in the case are scheduled for May 18.
All of Lopez’s arrested co-defendants have accepted plea deals.
Legislative Efforts Collapse in 2026 Session
Despite continued enforcement activity and calls by Uthmeier and the FGCC, Florida lawmakers failed to pass any major gambling-related legislation during the 2026 session.
Lawmakers introduced multiple bills to strengthen enforcement tools and clarify definitions of illegal gambling. One of the most prominent measures, SB 1580, passed the Senate and the House, which amended it, but failed to reach a final agreement.
The bill ultimately ran out of time before the two chambers could reconcile differences, including concerns over language affecting charitable gaming activities such as those run by veterans organizations.
Lawmakers return in late April for a special session, where they could revisit SB 1580 if they resolve their differences.
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