COCOA, Fla. — After a months-long investigation, the Cocoa Police Department raided a nondescript strip mall Thursday on suspicions that illegal online gambling was taking place in three of the suites.
The shopping complex in the 1500 block of North Cocoa Boulevard was raided Thursday afternoon, investigators said.
An anonymous tipster alerted investigators that there could be illegal online gambling going on at the strip mall, setting off several weeks of surveillance of the property, the department said.
A manager and three workers were inside three of the mall’s storefronts, and were detained for questioning and then released pending further investigation, officers said.
“You go inside (and) you there were several computers set up where you could do online gambling,” Cocoa police spokeswoman Yvonne Martinez said. “I don’t know how much money they were bringing in, but you came in (and) you (paid) a fee, which would allow you some access to gambling programs.”
Nine patrons were also inside the business, which had no signage, at the time of the raid, officers said.
The business, Paradise Arcade, is owned by Yas Max Inc., the department said.
According to state records, the business was incorporated on May 9, by Yasvantkumar V. Patel.
Investigators found about 100 computers, cash, ledgers and other items believed to have been used to support and facilitate the business.
Police did not make any arrests during the raid.
Investigators could be seen removing computers and other equipment from the building.
Cox Media Group
