Florida residents are being urged by the Seminole Tribe of Florida to avoid unlicensed gambling establishments.
Seminole Gaming COO David Hoenemeyer sent out a statement advising Floridians and tourists that Florida's numerous unlicensed gaming establishments, which frequently pose as slot parlors, arcades, and internet cafes, are unlawful and should not be visited.
"These facilities are illegal and unregulated. They don’t pay taxes, and they prey on people who are unaware of their very real dangers. Numerous investigations have shown they often refuse to pay out jackpots to hapless customers. Many don’t even program their slot machines to deliver fair returns,” Hoenemeyer wrote.
The federally recognized tribe owns and runs six physical casinos around the Sunshine State through its subsidiary, Seminole Gaming. The Seminoles are the only tribe in Florida to have a Class III gaming compact with the state government, which permits the Hard Rock and Seminole-branded casinos to run live-dealer table games, including house-banked games like baccarat, roulette, craps, and blackjack, as well as slot machines reminiscent of Las Vegas.
Through its Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, the Seminoles also have a monopoly on internet sports betting.
Some Counties Allow Slot Machines
Legal slot machines are available in racinos and parimutuel wagering establishments in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, in addition to the Seminoles' six casinos. Apart from that, all slots in the state are unlawful and unregulated.
At its tribal casinos on its grounds in Miami and the Everglades, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Florida's only other federally recognized tribe, runs electronic bingo machines that resemble slots.
If you leave Miami-Dade and Broward or drive off tribal grounds, you're likely to shortly encounter an arcade with gambling terminals that look like they were taken from a Seminole or Las Vegas casino floor.
The issue of illegal gambling in Florida has been covered in great detail by Casino.org. However, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), law enforcement, and others working to eradicate illegal gambling in the state argue that the financial gain outweighs the legal risks because even the few business owners who are prosecuted for operating unregulated gambling establishments only face misdemeanor penalties.
The House of Representatives rejected a bill in April that would have increased the punishment for anyone who intentionally operate or assist in operating an illegal gaming establishment from misdemeanors to felonies.
Consumer Caution
Hoenemeyer emphasizes the serious societal repercussions of gambling at an arcade in his comment on unlawful gambling. "Venues for illegal drugs and violent criminal activity, caused by thugs who take advantage of their lax security and infrequent police patrols," the Seminole executive claims of the gaming establishments, which frequently occupy retail spaces in strip malls.
"Studies show they aren’t safe. Not for you. Not for anyone,” Hoenemeyer declared.
“We urge you to be vigilant and avoid putting yourself and others at risk by patronizing such places. Don’t make it easy for these crooks to take your dollars and simultaneously endanger your well-being,” Hoenemeyer concluded.
A list of legal gaming locations in Florida can be found here.
