Sarasota County business raided, 2 arrested after 66 slot machines seized in illegal gambling operation: SCSO

March 31, 2026 - 05:28

A Sarasota County business has been shuttered following a coordinated raid that uncovered a significant illegal gambling operation. Last week, detectives from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Florida Gaming Control Commission, executed a search warrant at the establishment.

The operation resulted in the seizure of sixty-six slot machines from the premises. Authorities also confiscated an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activity. Following the raid, two individuals were taken into custody and now face multiple charges related to illegal gambling and keeping a gambling house.

The Sheriff's Office emphasized that such unauthorized operations undermine regulated gaming and can foster additional criminal behavior in communities. The investigation remains active, with officials noting that further charges are possible as the review of evidence continues. This raid marks a significant disruption to an unlicensed gambling ring that had been operating within the county.