for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the results of a major illegal gambling operation in Southwest Florida while also warning payment processors that facilitate transactions linked to offshore betting sites serving customers in the state.
The multi-day operation in Lee and Collier counties resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals, the seizure of 479 illegal gaming machines, and the recovery of $294,150 in alleged illicit proceeds. The enforcement effort involved the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and local sheriff’s offices in both counties.
At the same time, Uthmeier revealed that his office sent a June 10 letter to Visa General Counsel Julie Rottenberg, arguing that offshore gambling operators rely on payment networks to process customer deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions. The letter claims Visa may be providing services to online gambling operators that are illegally accepting customers in Florida, including BetOnline, BetNow, BetUS, Lucky Rebel, SportsBetting, XBet, and Bovada.
Florida expands enforcement efforts
State officials described the Southwest Florida operation as part of a broader campaign targeting illegal gambling activity across the state.
Recent enforcement actions have included investigations in Manatee County, raids in Sarasota County that led to the seizure of 69 gaming machines, and a separate statewide operation that removed 623 illegal machines from circulation. The FGCC has also increased enforcement activity in multiple regions as authorities continue to target unlicensed gambling businesses.
According to Uthmeier, illegal gambling operations pose risks to public safety, support broader criminal enterprises, and undermine Florida’s gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, which generates significant revenue for the state. He added that authorities intend to continue working with law enforcement partners to identify and shut down unlawful gaming operations.
The attorney general’s letter argues that Florida law generally limits gambling activity to licensed operators and authorized tribal gaming. It further contends that payment processors that knowingly facilitate transactions connected to illegal gambling businesses could face scrutiny under the state’s money laundering and racketeering laws.
State highlights economic impact
Uthmeier’s office also pointed to the financial consequences of illegal gambling activity. The letter cites industry estimates valuing the illegal online gaming market at approximately $510bn annually and claims states collectively lose more than $13.3bn in tax revenue each year.
By comparison, Florida’s regulated gaming industry generated $241.8m in slot machine tax revenue during the most recent fiscal year.
Since the beginning of 2026, state authorities say they have seized 3,114 illegal gaming machines, recovered approximately $1.7m in proceeds, and arrested 81 individuals.
Local officials support operation
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk praised the cooperation between state and local agencies, stating that illegal gambling businesses operate without consumer protections and offer players little recourse in the event of disputes or operator misconduct.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno described the operation as an example of effective collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies, highlighting the role of investigators, prosecutors, and regulators involved in the case.
FGCC to establish Southwest Florida squad
FGCC Chair Julie Brown said the commission plans to expand its enforcement presence in the region with the creation of a dedicated law enforcement squad in Southwest Florida over the coming year.
Brown said the expansion is intended to strengthen the commission’s ability to combat illegal gambling activity and protect residents from unregulated operators. She also credited support from Governor Ron DeSantis, the attorney general’s office, the Florida Legislature, and law enforcement partners for helping the agency carry out its enforcement efforts across the state.
