Only on 9: Police bust illegal gambling operation in Daytona Beach

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona Beach Police Department says many crimes in the area are linked to illegal gambling operations.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Young said police are aware of more establishments like this and warns more take downs are coming.

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