Illegal Gambling in Charlotte County – The Show is Over – Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office

June 4, 2024 – Port Charlotte, Florida

Two people are under arrest after allegedly continuing to operate an illegal casino in Charlotte County.

June 3^rd2024, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit conducted an operation at the Showtime Casino located at 3012 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, Florida. CCSO has received numerous tips and complaints regarding this location (as well as others in the county) regarding illegal slot machine gambling.

The Sheriff's Office went to Arcade's headquarters at 1152 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte and observed illegal gambling inside the business. The employee working inside received a summons for a gambling house employee. Within minutes of this interaction, the city's other casinos began telling customers to leave and closed their doors. in all haste.

Detectives went to the Showtime Casino at 3012 Tamiami Trail and observed the two employees taking turns walking toward the roadway and looking up and down the road like lookouts. Employees also closed the door behind each customer as they entered and exited the casino. During the operation, detectives observed, as expected, illegal gambling inside the casino on slot machines.

The Sheriff's Office has issued several warnings to these business owners throughout the county, informing them that what they are doing is illegal and currently a misdemeanor in the state of Florida. July 1st^st, 2024, that the Florida State Statute (FSS 849.01) for operating and working within a gambling house will be reduced from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. In addition to the CCSO warnings, the Florida Gaming Commission has issued similar warnings to each of these companies, as it has received numerous complaints about these casinos opening and calling themselves “arcades.” Whether they choose to call themselves casinos or arcades, these businesses continue to ignore numerous warnings from law enforcement.

“These businesses continued to operate after we executed search warrants at two establishments last year, seizing nearly 200 machines. Last week, we responded to an armed robbery at another of these establishments – fortunately, no one was injured. It appears the owners don't care as they have remained open, ignoring several warnings we have provided. Well… at these gambling establishments, I assure you, we do not gamble.

Sheriff Bill Prummell

Through investigative measures, CCSO discovered that these businesses closed for a short period of time when they learned that officers were issuing warnings, educating owners and customers, or making an arrest, then reopen in the coming days.

No matter what you may have heard, if you are in an establishment playing these illegal machines, You can also be charged with a misdemeanor. Please think twice before deciding to embark on any of these ventures. CCSO will continue to educate the public and enforce the law on these Charlotte County casinos.