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Deputies: Shutdown of illegal arcades leads to two arrests, seizure of $37K

Written by: October 26 2024
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — More details were released in a Wednesday raid that led authorities to shut down two adult arcades and arrest the owners of the establishments. The joint investigation led officials to seize more than $37,000 and collect 68 Las Vegas-style slot machines considered illegal in most parts of Florida, deputies say.

Jing Guo Yang and Jinquan Lin, both 35 and of the 6500 block of 35th Place, Vero Beach, were each charged with racketeering. Both were held Saturday at the Indian River County Jail on a $1 million bond.

A joint investigation by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Gaming Control Commission uncovered slot machines giving cash prizes for winnings, which is prohibited under Florida law. The nearly year-long undercover probe targeted two Vero Beach businesses – Duck Blue Tech Inc., located at 1055 27th Ave. S.W. and Panda, located at 721 U.S. 1, according to an arrest affidavit.

Deputies received several complaints about an illegal gambling operation at the businesses. An undercover detective, along with a confidential informant, visited the casinos on six different occasions from Dec. 2023 to Sept. 2024, reports show.

The detective and informant wore hidden body cameras and recording devices, allowing deputies to experience the inside of the arcade in real time. The informant and detective used investigative funds to play the arcade games, receiving a total of more than $530, reports show.

Through the investigation, deputies found that Yang and Lin owned the businesses and properties. A slot machine expert with the Florida Gaming Control Commission reviewed the videos and determined the establishments had Class II and III slot machines.

One of the videos showed Bally Wave slot machines with a Fire Link theme, according to officials with the Florida Gaming Control Commission. The other video showed what appears to be Aristocrat slot machines with Dragon Link themes.

“The fact that this is not a licensed slot machine facility in Broward or Miami-Dade County, the use of these slot machines appears to be in violation of state law,” said Bill Craft, chief of slots for the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

Deputies arrested Yan and Ling and booked them into the county jail. Both men have arraignments at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 21, court records show.

 

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