News Summary
St. Petersburg law enforcement successfully shut down two illegal arcades during a recent operation on September 16, confiscating nearly $20,000 in cash and gambling machines. The closures resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals and were prompted by a series of complaints from the community regarding disturbances and crime associated with these illegal establishments. Local authorities emphasized the importance of eradicating unregulated gambling activities to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
St. Petersburg law enforcement officials successfully shut down two illegal arcades during an operation conducted on September 16. The operation, carried out by the St. Petersburg police in collaboration with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), resulted in the seizure of nearly $20,000 in cash and gambling machines.
In total, authorities confiscated 30 illegal slot machines and five gambling video game tables, commonly known as fish tables. The crackdown led to the arrest of two individuals, Ghazwan Samaan and Anthony Jamel Abuead, who are facing charges including possession of slot machines and maintaining a gambling house.
The first arcade, named Fun Arcade, located on 16th Street South, had 29 slot machines and one fish table seized, along with $4,266 in cash. At the second arcade, the 49th Street Arcade, Angela D. Sutton was taken into custody and charged similarly to Samaan and Abuead.
Police reports indicated a history of complaints associated with both establishments. Over the past year, officers responded to numerous incidents involving noise disturbances, trash accumulation, trespassing, and even burglary attempts. Local representatives, including St. Pete Representative Corey Givens Jr., expressed concern that these illegal game rooms had become a nuisance and had contributed to crime in the area, describing illegal gambling in southern St. Petersburg as an open secret.
Ken Knight, spokesperson for the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD), noted that the closure of these establishments would provide much-needed relief to local residents who have voiced their dissatisfaction over the operations of the arcades. In addition, L. Carl Herold, Director of Gaming Enforcement, emphasized the FGCC’s commitment to eradicating illegal gambling enterprises detrimental to Florida communities.
Florida law is explicit regarding gambling regulations, only permitting slot machines at licensed facilities. Illegal operations lack the consumer protections afforded by regulated gambling, which can lead to serious issues for residents and the community as a whole. Chief of St. Petersburg Police Anthony Holloway stated that the department remains dedicated to eliminating illegal gaming machines in the area to ensure public safety.
Local residents are encouraged to report any suspected illegal gambling activities directly to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, as increased community awareness and vigilance can play a crucial role in the efforts to uphold the law.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Gambling
- WTSP News
- Google Search: illegal gambling Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gaming
- Florida Politics
- Google News: St. Petersburg illegal arcades
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ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
