PRESS RELEASE (Edited)
TALLAHASSEE, FL—This July, the Florida Gaming Control Commission is celebrating its fourth anniversary and recognizing the many accomplishments achieved since its inception in July 2022.
Since its creation, the FGCC has seized nearly 11,000 illegal slot machines and more than $23 million in illegal gambling proceeds. In the past year alone, the agency shut down 184 illegal gambling arcades and made 177 arrests. Its investigations have also helped combat illegal narcotics, illegal firearms and dog betting rings associated with criminal gambling operations.
“FGCC has made an immediate and dramatic impact,” said FGCC Chair Julie Brown, who founded the agency. “We are the first statewide law enforcement agency created since 1967, which speaks to the growing threat posed by illegal gambling. This success is due in large part to the outstanding support of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature. Working together, we are making Florida safer.”
The Commission continues to strengthen partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. To date, FGCC has entered 44 memoranda of understanding to enhance the state’s coordinated efforts against illegal gambling and related criminal activity. One of those partnerships is with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
“Criminals don’t ever get a free pass in Brevard County,” Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. “Our partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission sends a clear and resounding message: If you’re operating illegal gambling businesses in our community, we’re coming for you!”
The Commission is also comprised of the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, which oversees regulatory compliance for legal gaming in the state. During the past four years, the division has collected more than $3 billion in revenue from licensed pari-mutuel wagering, cardroom operations, slot machine facilities and revenue sharing under the Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida. Those funds have made significant contributions to Florida’s education and environmental initiatives.
In addition, PMW has processed nearly 57,000 applications from individuals and businesses seeking occupational licenses to work in pari-mutuel, cardroom, and slot machine facilities. These licensing efforts help to support thousands of jobs while ensuring the integrity and accountability of Florida’s regulated gaming industry.
Return to the July 17 issue of Wire to Wire
