Release posted on 09-18-25 at 12:31 PM

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), with assistance from the St. Petersburg Police Department, conducted enforcement operations on September 16th at two separate locations in St. Petersburg that were operating as illegal arcades.

At the Fun Arcade, 901 16th Street South, agents seized 30 illegal slot machines and five fish tables (gambling video game tables) along with $15,654 in cash. Agents arrested Ghazwan Samaan and Anthony Jamel Abuead, and each was charged with one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count of Keeping a Gambling House.

At the 49th Street Arcade, 800 49th Street South, agents seized 29 illegal slot machines and one fish table, along with $4,266 in cash. Agents arrested Angela D. Sutton and charged her with one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count of Keeping a Gambling House.

"These coordinated operations demonstrate the FGCC's continued commitment to eliminating illegal gambling enterprises that undermine our regulated gaming industry and negatively impact Florida communities," said L. Carl Herold, Director of Gaming Enforcement. "Casinos and slot machines are only authorized in specific licensed facilities in Florida. Any other operation is unlawful, and we will pursue it vigorously."

Chief of St. Petersburg Police Anthony Holloway said, "Thanks to the continued support of our state partners, we remain steadfast in our commitment to removing illegal gaming machines from our community. We will not allow these unlawful operations to undermine the safety and well-being of our residents."

Florida law strictly regulates gambling, with slot machines permitted only in licensed gaming facilities: eight pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and six Seminole Tribe of Florida establishments.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission encourages residents to report suspected illegal gambling activities online at www.flgaming.gov/File-a-Report by email at Contact@FLGaming.gov, or by phone at (850) 880-3433. Released by the Florida Gaming Control Commission and Yolanda Fernandez, St. Petersburg Police Public Information Manager.