All but two of Sumter County’s internet cafes were found in violation of state gambling laws after July 26 inspections by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The inspections found that each internet cafe had at least one illegal slot machine.
Sumter County has permitted eight internet cafes.
Good Times Arcade of Lady Lake apparently was closed and not inspected. Il Villagio of Lady Lake was closed last month after execution of a search warrant by the Florida Gaming Commission found 200 illegal slot machines.
Commissioners scheduled permit revocation hearings for Sept. 9.
Facing revocation are cafes in Lake Lake including Coconuts, Sunshine Arcade and Players Place along with VIP Zone/Dreamer’s of Lake Panasoffkee and Tech Center/Dreamer’s of Bushnell.
Slot machines also were found at Senior Center of Lady Lake, which has continued to operate despite expiration of its permit last November.
Also known as fish games, internet cafes offer cash or prizes to customers who play well on video games, which provides a way for them to skirt state gambling laws.
Sumter County inspects each cafe monthly for safety and building code violations. All cafes passed these inspections.
During the Il Villagio investigation, Sumter County deputies were trained by Florida special agents on how to identify illegal slot machines.
Rima Ray, Il Villagio owner, was charged July 23 with money laundering, keeping a gambling house and possession of an illegal coin-operated device.