On 10-26-18, an investigation into illegal gambling at Lucky U, located at 5165 Commercial Way in Spring Hill, came to an end when members of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit and Selective Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at the business.
Investigation revealed that Lucky U had multiple computerized games inside that appeared very similar to slot machines in a legal casino. This establishment and many others are violating the gambling laws of FSS 849. The games exhibited many elements excluding them from the family amusement statute, which is the FSS the establishments claim to be operating under.
Lucky U made cash payouts to any patron who “won” – hence not adhering to Florida statutes.
Through many previous investigations into illegal gambling establishments, detectives learned that these businesses are also utilized to launder money and to commit fraud and/or tax evasion.
The business is “cash only,” with the exception of the ATM inside, which did not have records to account for all of the cash recovered during the investigation.
During the execution of the search warrant, detectives seized $4,993.03 in cash, multiple computers, and numerous documents relating to the entire operation.
Arrests are forthcoming.
