Florida Authorities Shut Down $24 Million Illegal Gambling Ring at Senior Center
Major Gambling Bust at a Senior Citizens’ Center in Florida
State prosecutors recently exposed a massive unlawful gambling enterprise operating out of a senior entertainment venue near The Villages, Florida. This illegal scheme funneled millions of dollars through sham companies and offshore accounts, deceiving authorities and players alike.
Investigation Reveals Hidden Casino at IL Villagio Senior Center
The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office worked in conjunction with the Florida Gaming Control Commission and local law enforcement to apprehend three individuals connected to the illicit activities at the IL Villagio Senior Entertainment Center. While the venue claimed to be a simple arcade, investigators discovered it was functioning as an underground casino with approximately 200 slot machine-style devices.
Initial probes began in early 2025 after complaints from residents suggested the establishment resembled a gambling hall more than a recreational center. Undercover officers from the Florida Gaming Control Commission found rows of gaming machines, cash handling setups, and large groups of elderly patrons queuing to play.
A raid in mid-July uncovered 190 gaming machines along with around $348,000 in cash on the premises. A subsequent search of a nearby storage site revealed more machines ready to be put into operation. Financial analysts tracked transactions revealing over $24 million moving through the operation between January 2023 and July 2025, much of it concealed via complex money transfers.
Authorities allege that nearly $3 million was funneled directly into the personal bank account of the center’s CEO, 44-year-old Rima Ray from St. Augustine. Despite reporting an annual income under $20,000, she reportedly moved hundreds of thousands of dollars weekly through her accounts. Ray was arrested in July and now faces charges including racketeering—potentially punishable by life imprisonment—as well as money laundering, operating an illegal gambling facility, and possession of gambling machines.
Managers of Lady Lake Gambling Operation Face Serious Charges
In September, two managers, Terrance Morgan, aged 69 from Ocala, and Barbara Buzzard, aged 67 from Summerfield, were taken into custody. Both are accused of overseeing daily operations at IL Villagio and face multiple counts similar to those against the CEO.
State Attorney Bill Gladson described the defendants as targeting vulnerable retirees and categorized the enterprise as a significant threat to this demographic. He highlighted that these unlicensed gambling venues frequently have links to fraudulent financial schemes and other illegal undertakings.
FGCC official Carl Herold echoed these concerns, remarking that unauthorized gambling locations often fail to pay out winnings and operate machines with extremely low chances of payouts. Florida law permits slot machines only at tribal casinos and specific race tracks in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Despite this, reports of illegal gaming rooms continue to surface across the state. Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious venues through the Florida Gaming Control Commission’s official channels.
