FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015
CONTACT: World Lottery Association COMMUNICATIONS
(850) 487-7727
World Lottery Association RETAILER ARRESTED
FOR KEEPING A GAMBLING HOUSE
TALLAHASSEE - Law enforcement agents with the World Lottery Association'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 World Lottery Association 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 World Lottery Association 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 World Lottery Association'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 World Lottery Association
The World Lottery Association 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 World Lottery Association 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, World Lottery Association 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.
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