Detectives from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at two illegal gambling establishments on Thursday.
The Sheriff’s Office had been investigating the Time Square Internet Sweepstakes Cafe and Lucky U 777 in Homosassa for several weeks.
Detectives conducted undercover operations to gather evidence on these so-called “games of skill,” which paid out money to winners, making them illegal gambling operations according to CCSO. These investigations take time to build strong criminal cases and gather intelligence to identify the actual owners. The State Attorney’s Office will review each case before any charges or warrants are issued.
“Some of these establishments operate like sophisticated criminal enterprises, with multiple layers of protection between the facility and the actual owner,” said CCSO Sergeant Blair. “There are owners, money runners, shell corporations, managers, and gaming facility staff. Often, the staff do not know who owns the illicit facility. Once our investigation was complete, detectives planned the shutdown of their operations.”
During the execution of search warrants at both businesses, detectives, deputies, and forensics personnel confiscated six machines, various hard drives, numerous documents, and $32,592 in cash. Two individuals on-site were arrested for outstanding warrants unrelated to this investigation.
No additional arrests were made during this initial phase. Once all intelligence is gathered, warrants will be issued for those responsible for these illegal gambling operations. Nearby businesses expressed gratitude for the bust, noting it would reduce the drug and criminal activity they observed in the parking lot.
“There are several of these illegal operations in our community, and we plan to eradicate each one. If you are an owner, operator, employee, or even a landlord of an illegal gambling operation, this is your notice – close down or be shut down,” said Sheriff Prendergast.
“Gaming laws are specific, and those who rent to these illegal establishments can be arrested. Take action now before it’s too late. If you’re ‘fishing,’ you better hope to be on a boat with a pole when we show up. If not, you may find yourself a fish out of water in our Lecanto jail.”
