The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has closed down Beach Side Social Club on South Ocean Drive, seizing 20 machines and arresting two individuals involved in an illegal gambling operation. The raid occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m., following an investigation that led to a search warrant being executed at the arcade-style establishment.
Sheriff Ken Mascara clarified the illegality of the operations at Beach Side Social Club. “This is an illegal operation. I just want to make that perfectly clear,” he said. “This is illegal. Why? Because money goes to the front desk. It goes digitally back to the machine and when a win occurs, they go to the front desk and collect their money. That is called gambling.”
The seized machines and the arrests mark a significant operation in the crackdown against illegal gambling within the county. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to illegal gambling in the area to come forward.
For tips or further information, residents can contact St. Lucie County detectives at 772-462-3230 or call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 772-273-TIPS. Anonymous tips are welcome.
The closure of Beach Side Social Club comes as part of ongoing efforts by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office to combat illegal activities in the area, reflecting a broader commitment to community safety and law enforcement.