AARP Florida, partnering with the new Florida Gaming Control Commission, recently issued a press release warning seniors to beware of unregulated, illegal casinos, known as arcades, game rooms, internet cafes or senior clubs.
The release said, “These illicit gaming centers may appear innocuous at first glance, but they are breaking state law, as are operators and customers of these illegal establishments. Adult arcades offering illegal gambling provide zero consumer protections, no guarantee of fair play and no recourse if an operator disappears with the customer’s money.”
AARP added these arcades are particularly common in retirement communities and prey upon “vulnerable and aging adult populations.”
The Tampa Bay Times recently reported the businesses, which are proliferating throughout Florida, seem to appear overnight, promising arcade games inside but customers find slot machines instead. Slots only are legal on certain tribal lands and a few state-licensed gambling facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
AARP and the gaming commission noted if a gambling facility offers slot machines operating outside tribal land or Miami-Dade or Broward counties, awards cash prizes or offers sports betting, it’s operating illegally.
The state gaming commission is asking the public to contact local law enforcement or the commission by filing a complaint online or calling 850-880-3433. The commission said it will pursue criminal charges against the owners of gambling facilities−not their patrons−but warned that gambling in these businesses remains a crime.
The public can see a map of the state’s legal casinos and parimutuel facilities plus look up a gambling establishment’s license at flgaming.gov/locations/.
