DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona Beach Police Department says many crimes in the area are linked to illegal gambling operations.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Officers said they are focused on shutting them down one by one.
Police said one of the establishments, on Mason Avenue, is linked to several other crimes in the area.
Read: Online sports betting resumes in Florida for some
Channel 9 had a crew at the location on Thursday as police showed up with a warrant.
Daytona Beach police Chief Jakari Young calls this one of the more sophisticated establishments he has seen.
Read: Daytona Beach police bust illegal gambling business at convenience store
Inside the building were dozens of games and slot machines.
“We’ve established a direct nexus between these gambling establishments and violent crime,” Young said. “When I look over my crime reports, I’m seeing shooting, I’m seeing robberies and a lot of them are connected to establishments like the one behind me.”
Read: Daytona Beach police bust illegal gambling operation, 5th in the past 90 days, officers say
Young said police are aware of more establishments like this and warns more take downs are coming.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2024 Cox Media Group