Detectives shut down alleged Clearwater gambling operation

CLEARWATER — Police seized more than 80 computerized gaming machines and a new car last week after executing a search warrant at what authorities called an illegal gambling operation on U.S. 19.

The seizure happened about 5 p.m. Friday at Rio Arcade at 19042 U.S. 19 N. Clearwater detectives began investigating the business after receiving complaints of illegal gambling.

Detectives believe the establishment was operating an illegal gambling business with approximately 84 gambling computers. On Friday, they seized the computers, $10,000 in cash, a 2011 Hyundai and other electronic equipment.

No arrests have been made, but Clearwater police forwarded charges against the owner and several managers to the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office, which will determine whether to prosecute.