Two women face charges following an undercover operation at a southwest Miami-Dade business that authorities say was operating as an illegal gambling den. The business, called Galaxy Arcade, is located in the Tamiami neighborhood.
The suspects were identified as Beatriz Vichot and Kenia Landa. According to the report, Vichot was an employee at the business and was seen paying customers directly, including undercover detectives participating in the operation. Officers also observed this practice being repeated with other gamblers inside the establishment.
The investigation began in mid-August and culminated on the night of Saturday, September 6, at the location located at 12218 Southwest 8th Street.
On at least four occasions, undercover detectives managed to obtain payments after playing these machines. On the day of the operation, one of the officers even received $23 in cash after participating in the alleged “game of chance.”
That same night, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant. Inside, they found a dozen customers gambling and betting money. All were detained for investigation.
Authorities stated that Galaxy Arcade’s sole purpose was to facilitate illegal gambling with cash payments.
Vichot and Landa face charges including organizing illegal gambling, a felony, operating a sportsbook, and possession of illegal gambling devices, both misdemeanors.
