By Kristina Lozanova
In May 2025, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) identified and initiated action against illegal gambling offerings at various locations in Central and South Florida. These range from various gas stations to bars and food markets. FGCC states that nearly 100 unauthorized slot machines and over $60,000 in cash were seized.
Partly to circumvent state regulations, and partly to avoid illegal gambling due to the lack of transparency in these regulations, more and more players are turning to online gaming platforms. These increasingly offer a safer and more private alternative to regular in-person casinos.
In the US, poker is particularly popular compared to other casino games. According to research, poker is one of the most widely played casino games among Americans, along with roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. However, as vague regulations in local venues make them increasingly unattractive, the number of online players is growing. Players are also increasingly placing value on anonymity. Reputable and anonymous poker sites online, therefore, offer a welcome alternative for many. There, players can enjoy their hobby without being forced to hand over their personal information.
Although Florida law strictly prohibits gambling outside of licensed establishments and with unauthorized slot machines, some establishments have managed to slip under the radar and find a loophole for their offerings. Nevertheless, the FGCC’s recent discoveries of illegal casinos are shocking. The measures to eradicate illegal gambling in Florida targeted establishments at ten locations in Central and South Florida.
During the operation, 33 illegal slot machines were seized. In addition, over $8,500 in cash was recovered from an unspecified establishment in Daytona Beach. A venue called “Play for Keeps” was discovered in Dade City with 24 unauthorized machines. This discovery led to an additional seizure of over $33,000. Moreover, seven citations were issued for several charges. This includes the possession of slot machines and maintaining a gambling establishment.
Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, emphasized the importance of enforcement measures and explained that slot machines are only legal in a few locations in the state. To avoid inadvertently becoming entangled in illegal activities, players are advised to review the map of these authorized locations on the FGCC website. Marshman also warned business owners and communities to be on the lookout for unauthorized gaming devices outside of licensed establishments.
Only certain officially licensed establishments are permitted to use slot machines under the state's gaming law. Among the establishments where gambling is permitted are six casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe in Florida and eight so-called pari-mutuel operations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Unlicensed gambling is not only illegal in many ways, such as tax evasion, but also poses risks to fairness and safety for players. Those who lose their money in an unauthorized operation cannot sue for recoupment.
To ensure the state’s financial security, Governor Ron DeSantis proposed in February 2025 to focus on the state’s financial responsibilities and its budget for the fiscal year of 2025 and 2026. Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has benefited from significant revenue growth, largely from tax revenues from state-regulated entities.
According to Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida's strong financial position is due to balanced public spending. He also emphasizes the importance of investing in areas such as education, infrastructure, and environmental remediation.
Florida’s success is also due to tax revenues. According to the American Gaming Association, the gambling revenue reached a new high of $6.19 billion in Q1 2025. Better regulations and the licensing of additional establishments could lead to increased revenue, which in turn could flow into public programs. To support this movement, the FGCC’s responsibility for regulating inadequate gambling behavior is immense. Gambling laws are important to ensure player safety but also, in the bigger picture, to maintain the state’s financial situation.
