State gambling crackdown hits two St. Pete businesses

A St. Petersburg sports bar that advertises live music, food, pool and arcade games had another attraction not mentioned on its website, according to state gambling regulators: 73 illegal slot machines.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission seized the machines and $105,265 from The Zoo Sports Club and Grille, 5111 66th Street N., during a Sept. 10 enforcement action that also targeted Action Arcade, 6541 54th Ave. N.

At Action Arcade, agents seized another 90 machines and $142,020, bringing the haul from the two locations to 163 machines and $247,285. Three people were issued notices to appear on gambling-related charges, according to the commission.

The Zoo presents a markedly different public face from the operation described by state regulators.

The 10,000-square-foot business advertises itself as a sports and social club with a full kitchen and bar, live music, comedy, trivia, pool and darts. Its website also promotes a “Player’s Lounge” with more than 400 classic arcade games.

The Catalyst emailed The Zoo seeking comment on the state’s allegations and the machines seized from the property. The business did not respond before publication.

Action Arcade’s public footprint is more explicitly centered on gaming. Online listings describe the 54th Avenue N. location as an adult gaming arcade, with some advertising slot-style games.

However, the corporate entity previously registered as Action Arcade of Florida LLC at the same address voluntarily dissolved in June 2025, according to state records. It is unclear who was operating the arcade when agents executed the warrant.

The Catalyst attempted to contact Action Arcade through its publicly listed telephone number but was unable to reach anyone.

Gambling itself is not prohibited across Florida. The state permits several forms, including the Florida Lottery, sports betting, card games and casino gambling at authorized locations. Slot machines, however, are much more tightly controlled. Outside tribal casinos, they are legal only at eight licensed gambling facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

State regulators say unlicensed bars, restaurants and adult arcades cannot offer slot-machine gambling.

The distinction also carries a financial component for the state. Licensed slot facilities are subject to extensive oversight and pay Florida a 34% tax on slot-machine revenue, with the proceeds directed to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. Illegal gambling operations fall outside that system of licensing, oversight and taxation.

The Gaming Control Commission dubbed the St. Petersburg enforcement action “Operation Final Spin.” The searches were conducted with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and the state Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.

State Rep. Berny Jacques also participated in the operation, according to the commission and Jacques’ social media accounts. Jacques subsequently characterized the businesses as “illegal casinos” and praised officers involved in the searches.

“Removing 163 machines and nearly $250,000 in cash from these operators is about protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Jacques said.

Jacques said such machines too often take advantage of senior citizens living on fixed incomes. The commission’s announcement did not provide information about the customers at either St. Petersburg business, or say that the seized cash had been determined to be gambling proceeds.

The agency also did not say how long the machines had allegedly operated at either location or whether the businesses had previously been warned or cited.

In a prepared statement, the commission said it has shut down more than 200 illegal arcades statewide.

“Operation Final Spin, and the more than 200 illegal arcades we have shut down before this, should make it clear that our goal is to disrupt and dismantle illegal gaming across the state of Florida,” FGCC Vice Chair Tina Repp said.