Media

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015

CONTACT: FLORIDA LOTTERY COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727

FLORIDA LOTTERY RETAILER ARRESTED
FOR KEEPING A GAMBLING HOUSE

TALLAHASSEE - Law enforcement agents with the Florida Lottery's Division of Security conducted a compliance inspection earlier this week based on a complaint they received that an illegal bolita lottery was being operated by a Lottery retailer at EAS Brothers Inc., located at 5600 N.E. 2nd Avenue in Miami.

Accompanying Florida Lottery law enforcement agents were law enforcement agents with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT). A search of the store revealed evidence of illegal gambling activity by one of the store's owners, Mr. Ramon A. Valdez. Based on evidence at the scene and a confession by Valdez, he was placed under arrest and charged with one count of keeping a gambling house. His Lottery contract was immediately suspended and law enforcement agents removed all Lottery products and machines from the store.

"The vast majority of Florida Lottery retailers are honest, hardworking and valued partners who help us generate revenue to benefit Florida's students and schools through the sale of Lottery products. The action taken in this case is part of our on-going retailer integrity efforts to combat illegal activity when it occurs," said Interim Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie.

The Florida Lottery's Division of Security works to identify and take action against this and other criminal behavior involving its retailers. If you notice any suspicious activity involving a Lottery retailer or your Lottery purchase, contact your local law enforcement agency or the Lottery's Division of Security immediately at (850) 487-7730. The earlier you report suspicious activity the easier it is to investigate.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $28 billion to education and sending more than 700,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 97 percent of its revenue back into Florida's economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $48.5 billion in prizes and made more than 1,800 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

# # #
Just Imagine®