5 Illegal Casinos Shut Down In Port Richey, 249 Slot Machines Seized: Police

PORT RICHEY, FL — Five illegal gambling arcades were shut down Monday in Port Richey after an in-depth investigation, authorities said.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission partnered with the Port Richey Police Department and the New Port Richey Police Department to execute search warrants at the unauthorized casinos, Port Richey police said in a news release.

In total, FGCC agents seized 249 illegal slot machines and about $194,000 in suspected gambling proceeds, police said.

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Eight people were also issued notices to appear in court for gambling-related offenses.

• Oz Place, 6624 Ridge Road - 54 slot machines confiscated; about $28,000 in cases seized, three notices to appear issued
• Oz Place, 6630 Ridge Road - business was closed prior to warrant execution; five slot machines seized
• FL Skill Arcade, 6400 Ridge Road - 52 slot machines confiscated; about $41,000 in cash seized; one notice to appear issued
• Ridge Road Place Arcade, 6638 Ridge Road - 56 slot machines confiscated; about $35,000 in cash seized; two notices to appear issued
• 777 Arcade, 8633 U.S. Highway 19 - 82 slot machines confiscated; about $86,000 in cash seized; two notices to appear issued

“Illegal casinos are not part of regulated gaming in Florida,” Carl Herold, director of gaming enforcement for the FGCC, said. “These operations exploit vulnerable individuals, create an uneven playing field for lawful businesses, and bring unwanted crime and disorder to the communities in which they operate.

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