News Summary
St. Petersburg authorities have taken significant action against illegal gambling, seizing 59 gambling machines and nearly $20,000 in cash. The operation, conducted by the police and Florida Gaming Control Commission, targeted illegal arcades, resulting in multiple arrests. Residents have expressed relief at the closure of these establishments, which had been a source of complaints about noise and illegal activities. The crackdown reflects local law enforcement’s commitment to community safety and regulation of lawful gaming.
St. Petersburg authorities took decisive action against illegal gambling operations on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, seizing a total of 59 gambling machines and nearly $20,000 in cash during a joint operation conducted by the St. Petersburg police and the Florida Gaming Control Commission. The crackdown targeted two establishments in the city identified as illegal arcades.
At Fun Arcade, located at 901 16th Street South, law enforcement confiscated 30 illegal slot machines, 5 fish tables which are specialized gambling video game tables, and $15,654 in cash. The operation led to the arrest of two men, Ghazwan Samaan and Anthony Jamel Abuead. They face serious charges including one count of possession of slot machines and one count of keeping a gambling house.
Simultaneously, authorities executed a search at the 49th Street Arcade, located at 800 49th Street South, where they seized 29 illegal slot machines, 1 fish table, and $4,266 in cash. A woman named Angela Sutton was arrested at this location and charged with similar offenses, including one count of possession of slot machines and one count of keeping a gambling house.
The operation showcases the commitment of the St. Petersburg Police Department to combat illegal gaming activities, as emphasized by Police Chief Anthony Holloway. He reiterated the department’s objective to ensure community safety by removing unauthorized gambling machines from the streets.
L. Carl Herold, the Director of Gaming Enforcement, highlighted the negative impact of unauthorized casinos and slot machines, stating they disrupt regulated gaming operations and present risks to Florida communities. Florida law strictly prohibits gambling outside licensed facilities, which are limited to specific pari-mutuel facilities and establishments owned by the Seminole Tribe.
The illegal gambling operations in south St. Petersburg had become an open secret, according to local representative Corey Givens Jr., who urged residents to report any such occurrences to the authorities. The police had previously received numerous complaints about distracting noise and illegal activities linked to these arcades, prompting further investigation.
Residents in the area have expressed relief following the closure of these illegal gaming sites, noting improvements in community safety and a reduction in noise levels. The public is encouraged to report any suspected illegal gambling activities to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which is accessible via email or phone, as authorities continue to monitor and combat these illegal operations.
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