- The scheme involved “reload cards” that seemed legal, but violated state laws
- Visitors to establishments were stunned to learn the activities were illegal
- Additional illegal activities included improper “private” ATMs
- Suspects are charged with money laundering of $100,000 or more
Vegas Slots online reports
VIP Sweepstakes seemed like a place to find fun—and legal—gambling entertainment in Florida, but all is not as it seems. Authorities identified VIP Sweepstakes as part of a network of illegal gambling arcades operating across the state, with locations spanning as far as West Palm Beach to Zephyrhills. As of 2022, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Money Laundering Unit has taken over, connecting investigations into VIP Sweepstakes to three other arcades: Treasure Hunters in Fort Pierce, Pharaoh’s Treasure in Vero Beach, and another location in Zephyrhills.
the reload cards violated Florida gambling laws
The money laundering scheme involved patrons putting money onto “reload cards,” which would then be used to play video slot machines that pay out cash prizes. While the act may seem harmless, and above all legal, the reload cards violated Florida gambling laws.
CBS12 News reports: “Under Florida law, the possession of slot machines offering cash prizes is illegal, except in specific licensed facilities, such as certain tribal locations and pari-mutuel sites in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. During undercover operations, investigators observed that only cash was being offered as prizes.”
Visitors stunned the place was illegal
A frequent visitor named Elsie said: “It was fun to come and have lunch, play a little bit, and go about your business… They were Treasure Hunt. Then they came back with new machines and called themselves VIP. Why would we not think it was legal?”
Another customer named Ann said: “To tell you the truth, I thought they did such a nice job there. I can’t imagine why it’s shut down… I would see ladies in my neighborhood saying they were going to the arcade. I thought they were talking about pinball machines. One day, I went with them and won some money. I was so happy.”
Read more at