Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)
Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) was created within the Florida Gaming Control Commission as explained in Section 16.71, F.S. The Florida Gaming Control Commission has five members responsible for exercising all powers related to gambling activities in Florida, not including the state lottery. The commission appoints the director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The director must have training and experience in law enforcement or security to supervise, direct, coordinate, and administer all activities of the DGE.
Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement employs 15 law enforcement personnel spread across the North Region unit, Central Region unit and Southern Region unit. Each unit employs a supervisor and four investigators. The Tallahassee office includes a government operations consultant, two administrative aides, and two criminal analysts.
The DGE is classified as a “criminal justice agency” as defined by Section 943.045, F.S. As such, it employs investigators who are designated as law enforcement officers with the power to make arrests for alleged violations of any law of the state, including but not limited to illegal gambling and illegal gaming under:
- chapter 24
- part II of chapter 285
- chapter 546
- chapter 550
- chapter 551
- chapter 849
The investigators with DGE have the authority to enter any premises in Florida where gaming activities are taking place. While performing their lawful duties, the DGE investigators may bring any necessary equipment. When they have reason to believe that a violation of Florida law has occurred, DGE investigators have the authority, without warrant, to search and inspect any premises where the violation occurs.
While complying with the United States and Florida Constitutions, DGE investigators may seize or take possession of any papers, records, tickets, currency, or other items related to any alleged violation. Additionally, DGE investigators may seize any contraband as defined by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.
Under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, the term “contraband” includes:
- gambling equipment
- gambling device
- a gambling apparatus
- material of gaming
- proceeds of gambling
- substituted proceeds of gambling
- real or personal property substantially connected to gambling
- Internet domain name
- gambling paraphernalia
- lottery tickets
- money, currency, or other means of exchange that was obtained, received, used, attempted to be used, or intended to be used in violation of Florida’s gambling laws.
Attorneys for Investigations by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGI)
If you are under investigation by investigators with Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, a part of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, contact the attorneys at Sammis Law Firm. We can help you fight allegations that Florida’s gambling laws were violated. If your property was seized under Florida’s Contraband Forfeiture Act, we can help you get the property back.
Our attorneys understand the rules for gambling activities, including slot machine facilities, cardrooms, and pari-mutuel wagering. We represent clients and businesses throughout Florida. With offices in Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey, we served clients in the greater Tampa Bay area and central Florida.
Call 813-250-0500.
Additional Resources
Is Gambling Legal in Florida? – Learn more about the distinction between legal and illegal gambling in Florida. Find the criminal offenses listed in Chapter 849, F.S., which prohibit running a gambling house, electronic gaming room, setting up a lottery, engaging in bookmaking or operating slot machines. Find Florida’s definition of “gambling” and the penalties for a violation. Learn more about seizure for forfeiture during investigations into illegal gambling.
This article was last updated on Thursday, January 16, 2025.