Manatee County bans simulated gambling devices in unincorporated areas
By Lisa Neff
Manatee County commissioners have banned simulated gambling devices in unincorporated areas, creating new tools to cite and penalize operators.
The vote took place Sept. 22 at the administration building in downtown Bradenton.
“The proposed ordinance prohibits the operation of simulated gambling devices within unincorporated Manatee County, establishes definitions and enforcement provisions, and provides civil penalties for violations,” read an outline from Stephanie Charles, deputy director of development services for the county. “The ordinance is intended to address businesses operating simulated gambling devices that may facilitate unlawful gambling activity, while providing code enforcement with an additional civil enforcement mechanism to address violations.”
A simulated gambling device is defined as “any device that, upon connection with an object, is available to play or operate a computer simulation of any game, where the play or operation of the device may deliver or entitle the person or persons playing or operating the device to a payoff directly or indirectly from the owner or operator of the device or that person’s designee.”
“Computer simulation” includes simulations displayed on a computer, video display, video system or any other electronic video presentation.
Such games include slot machines, poker, bingo, craps, blackjack, roulette or keno.
Under the ordinance, county code enforcement officers can issue alleged operators cease-and-desist orders or citations.
Anyone accused of operating an arcade with five or more devices after receiving a civil citation may be arrested and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
Nearly a year ago, commissioners directed the county attorney’s office to review a measure adopted in Marion County and then to prepare an ordinance to help curb illegal gaming operations.
The ordinance, now in effect, states, “There is a proliferation of establishments that utilize computer or video displays of games, contests, challenges and other electronic simulations that are or are of the type of games generally associated with legalized casino or gambling outlets or that show, or purport to show, the results of raffles, sweepstakes, contests and or business game promotions… for commercial or pecuniary gain.”
The ordinance further states that, except as permitted under Florida law, “gaming and gambling are not presently lawful in the county” and that simulated gaming devices can deceive residents, including “the elderly, economically disadvantaged, uneducated, and unsuspecting individuals into believing such activities are legal and lawfully permitted.”
From Jan. 1, 2018, through Nov. 30, 2025, the sheriff’s office recorded 1,526 calls associated with simulated gaming venues.
The MCSO also worked with the Florida Gaming Control Commission to execute search warrants and shut down 10 simulated gambling establishments during that period.
About 25 establishments were operating in the county as of March, and that’s likely an undercount, according to the sheriff’s office.
Along with adopting the ordinance, commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the MCSO for coordination on enforcement.
The document outlines how code enforcement officers handle complaints and responds when personally observing an alleged violation and establishes that the “sheriff shall have primary investigative and enforcement responsibility regarding alleged violations.”
During public comment, one speaker asked commissioners to consider selling a limited number of licenses for simulated gambling device establishments — five licenses at $100,000 each — to create a regulated business.
However, Commission Chair Tal Siddique said the county could approve zoning for such operations “but that’s about the extent of which we could allow pari-mutuel facilities,” the rest “would be left to the state.”