VIDEO: VCSO Shuts Down Illegal Gambling Operation -- for 2nd Time

Date Added: November 20, 2018 3:27 pm

Laura Williams
Office of Public Relations & Media Affairs

VCSO DETECTIVES SHUT DOWN ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATION FOR 2ND TIME

Manager Arrested on Gaming Charges, Following Cease-and-Desist Order Oct. 25

Just as promised, a Daytona Beach business was shut down Monday night and a manager was arrested for operating illegal gambling, only weeks after the owner received a cease-and-desist order Oct. 25 and agreed to close the business because it was operating illegally.

The business, located at 1004 Derbyshire Road, was one of multiple Internet cafes ordered to shut down countywide since Oct. 19. Local gambling establishments were given cease-and-desist orders to shut down immediately, warning that they are conducting illegal activities and could face criminal charges.

As of Oct. 31, 2018, the business remained closed. However, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) learned Nov. 13 that the business had reopened. Detectives conducted an undercover operation to inspect the business’ activity. On Monday (Nov. 19), detectives from the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at the business where eight patrons were present. Detectives secured the business and arrested Scott Baldwin, a manager who has worked there for 1.5 months.

Baldwin, 53 (DOB 2/15/1965) was carrying a concealed firearm that he stated he carried due to recent robberies at similar gaming establishments in Volusia County. Baldwin was charged with keeping a gambling house and possession of slot machines. He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail and has been released after posting $6,000 bail.

This investigation is continuing.

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Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018
For immediate release
Laura Williams
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

VCSO SHUTS DOWN INTERNET CAFES COUNTYWIDE

2 Recent Armed Robberies, Appeals Court Ruling Prompt Orders to Close Illegal Gaming Centers

Several illegal Internet café establishments in Volusia County are shut down after Volusia County sheriff’s detectives issued cease-and-desist orders to the businesses.

The crackdown was prompted after two recent armed robberies occurred at local gaming businesses. A recent appeals court ruling determined certain gaming devices used at the Internet cafes are illegal.

Since Oct. 19, local gambling establishments have been issued cease-and-desist orders – effective immediately -- warning that they’re conducting illegal activities and could face criminal charges.

In 2017, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a two-month undercover investigation of local casino-style electronic gaming businesses. At that time, one was raided and shut down -- The Hot Spot, 1230 Hand Ave., Ormond Beach. Eight additional businesses were served cease-and-desist orders at that time, including the Jackpot Saloon in Deltona. The establishments are unlicensed and unregulated, and are considered illegal gambling because they rely on games of chance rather than games of skill.

In addition, Internet cafes statewide were shut down in April 2013 after Gov. Rick Scott signed a ban approved by the Florida Legislature.

In East Volusia, orders were issued to these locations:

--1004 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach - issued 10/25/2018- CLOSED

--1108 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach - pending; appears to be closed.

--1376 N Nova Road, Daytona Beach (Lucky Ducks) - issued 10/25/18- CLOSED

--2990 W International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach (Speedway Station) issued 10/26/18 -CLOSED

--1220 Hand Avenue #D, Ormond Beach (The Spot) - issued 10/26/18- CLOSED

--1240 Hand Avenue, Ormond Beach (The Room) - issued 10/26/18 _ CLOSED

--986 N Nova Road, Ormond Beach (Jiffy 2) - issued 10/26/18 - CLOSED

--1396 N Nova Road, Holly Hill (Hidden Treasure) - issued 10/26/18 - CLOSED

--1230 Hand Avenue, Ormond Beach (Hot Spot) – issued  10/19/2018 -CLOSED

--800 S Nova Road, Ormond Beach (Asian Internet Café) – issued 10/23/18 - CLOSED

--1106 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach (Family Food Mart) - issued 10/26/2018 – machines shut down.

-218 N Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach (The Spot) - cease and desist issued 10/26/2018 – Machines were removed by owner.

In West Volusia, the locations are:

--350 Spring Garden Ave., DeLand (Cyber Monkey) - issued 10/19/18 -CLOSED

--2411 Enterprise Road, Orange City  (Preview Games) - issued 10/19/18 - CLOSED

--600 Courtland Deltona (Jackpot Saloon) - issued 10/19/18 - CLOSED

--2516 N. Spring Garden Ave.,  DeLand (KK Entertainment Games)- issued 10/26/18 – CLOSED

--1250 S. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand (Winners Circle) - pending issue

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