Authorities shut down illegal gambling operations, Florida

Authorities have shut down several illegal gambling operations across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast following a multi-agency investigation named Operation Fools Treasure, initiated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in 2022. The investigation linked multiple arcades, including VIP Sweepstakes in West Palm Beach and Pharaoh’s Treasure Arcade in Vero Beach, to illegal gambling activities involving 'Las Vegas-style' slot machines that offered cash prizes, in violation of Florida gambling laws. Investigators issued five arrest warrants and nine search warrants, although it remains unclear if any arrests have been made or what evidence was recovered. A Miami-based company, Grandview Products, Inc., was identified as a supplier of the illegal machines. The operation also uncovered significant money laundering activities connected to the arcades, which used reload cards similar to those in cruise ship casinos. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address illegal gambling in the region.