MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Three Internet cafes in Marion County were closed Wednesday for selling more than just time online. Investigators say a number of resident complaints sparked an investigation into three businesses in and around Ocala and Silver Springs Shores.
Detectives told WFTV why they think the cafes are really illegal gambling operations.
Outside Gator Café, Kamaljit Rai did not want to say anything about her arrest.
"Anything to say?" WFTV reporter Jeff Deal asked.
"No," she replied.
Members of Marion County's multi-agency drug enforcement team, which also investigates gambling cases, moved in and raided the place, arresting Rai and confiscating gaming machines and computer equipment.
Marion County investigators said what was going on inside the Ocala business and two other similar shops in the county was illegal; money was changing hands for a game of chance.
"There was probable cause that gambling laws in the state of Florida were being violated," Sgt. Angy Scoble of the Ocala Police Department said.
WFTV watched as surprised customers showed up at the businesses only to find them closed. These so-called Internet cafes operate by selling Internet time on phone cards for a chance to play games that are called sweepstakes. But investigators say the cards can be used to win back minutes and those minutes sold back for cash.
That's what makes it illegal, even though operators and some customers insist there's nothing wrong with it.
"These ain't scum of the earth, there are old Village people who want to try their luck with $10 and not have to drive to Cape Canaveral," customer Scott Griggs said.
The people arrested face charges for possession of gambling devices, keeping a gaming house and for conducting an illegal lottery. Investigators said these types of businesses are known to bring in as much as $17,000 a day.
WFTV
