Florida Gaming Control Commission Wins International Regulatory Excellence Award

The Florida Gaming Control Commission has been recognized with the Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators, honoring the young agency's coordinated efforts to combat illegal gambling across the state.

Since its creation in July 2022, the FGCC has seized more than 14,000 illegal slot machines and recovered over $24 million in illegal gambling proceeds. In the past year alone, the agency shut down 184 illegal gambling arcades and made 160 arrests. The commission's investigations have also helped law enforcement target illegal narcotics, illegal firearms, and dog betting rings tied to criminal gambling operations.

"This demonstrates that FGCC is a great team doing things correctly," said FGCC Chair Julie Brown in a statement. The award recognizes the agency's impact as Florida's first statewide law enforcement agency created since 1967. IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally praised the commission's collaborative approach, saying its strategy "illustrates the power of collaboration" in combating illegal gambling.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office will continue working with the FGCC to push for tougher criminal penalties against illegal gambling operators. Legal gambling in Florida is restricted to eight licensed pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as certain facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Residents can report suspected illegal gambling at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report or by calling 850-880-3433.