Melba L. Apellaniz

The meeting addressed several key agenda items following introductory remarks regarding the Commission's commitment to accountability and transparency amidst evolving technologies and the upcoming legislative session. Discussions included the approval of the Executive Director's update, highlighting significant increases in seized cash and slot machines in 2025 compared to 2024, and the Law Enforcement update detailing activity in December, including seizures of slot machines and arrests. The intelligence gathering process and the importance of analysts in supporting field investigators were also discussed. The Commission addressed capacity concerns regarding warehouse space for seized devices and emphasized aggressive machine destruction as a priority for 2026, alongside onboarding new specialized cyber and digital analysts. Substantive actions involved the approval of a slot machine license renewal for PPI, Inc., and amendments to the operating licenses for Tampa Bay Downs, Inc. and Gulfstream Park Racing Association, Inc. regarding performance counts. The body also addressed multiple Default Final Orders concerning license suspensions or permanent exclusions for individuals (Gerald Edward Brooks, Cecilia Sobrino Rodriguez, Manuel Cepero, Sean Robert O'Boyle Stone, and Sergio Melendez Rodriguez) due to financial obligations or violations. Finally, settlement offers were approved for St. Petersburg Kennel Club, Inc., and resolutions were adopted regarding an application and stipulated conditions for Edgar David Diaz, and a settlement order for Hector Garcia Cornejo Y Santana.

The meeting included the approval of the October 16, 2025 meeting minutes. The Executive Director provided an update regarding the recommendation on slot machine license fees, noting that revenue deposits have decreased, suggesting additional revenue may be necessary to sustain operations. An update on the ownership structure change for St. Petersburg Kennel Club, Inc., resulting in a new ultimate equitable owner, Christopher Spence, was also presented. The Director of Law Enforcement detailed the results of recent enforcement operations, including seizures of slot machines and arrests. The PPI, Inc. representatives conducted a presentation focusing heavily on their commitment to regulatory compliance, specifically concerning underage gaming prevention, detailing the use of ID verification technology, rigorous training protocols including Project 21, and self-reporting procedures for any incidents involving minors.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key discussions: an update from the Executive Director, discussion regarding the renewal application for a Slot Machine License, and discussions concerning amended applications for Pari-Mutuel Licenses. Furthermore, the agenda covers discussions on Default Final Orders, Settlement Offers, and Requests for Waivers. The session also includes a section for License Denials and discussions on Final Orders pursuant to a request from the respondent. The agenda concludes with a Public Comment section and a Closed Attorney-Client Session.

The meeting proceedings included the approval of the minutes from the September 11, 2025 session, followed by an update from the Executive Director, which included welcoming a new Director of Communications and scheduling future meetings for January, February, March, and April 2026. The Director of Law Enforcement provided a detailed report on operations for October, highlighting the closure of 20 illegal casinos, seizure of slot machines and illegal funds, and active participation in ongoing investigations and multi-agency meetings. Discussions and subsequent approvals were held regarding the renewal application for a slot machine license (Dania Entertainment Center, LLC) and an amendment to add cardroom tables (South Florida Racing Association, LLC). A significant portion of the meeting involved discussions and final orders related to multiple individuals being added to the permanent exclusion list due to non-response to administrative complaints regarding prior exclusions. Furthermore, the Commission discussed and approved settlement offers, including a consent order with St. Petersburg Kennel Club, Inc. related to surveillance log violations, a conditional license for Samantha Lynn Brown following a license denial based on a misdemeanor conviction, and a consent order for Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, Inc. regarding inadequate monitoring. A settlement involving granting a license with conditions was also approved for Allison Lombardi following a license denial based on prior felony convictions.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission scheduled a closed attorney-client session to discuss litigation strategy and settlement negotiations concerning three active cases: Florida Gaming Control Commission v. PPI, Inc. (Case No. 2024-031374), Florida Gaming Control Commission v. Investment Corporation of Palm Beach d/b/a Palm Beach Kennel Club (Case No. 2025-040840), and Florida Gaming Control Commission v. bestbet St. Augustine, Inc. (Case No. 2025-048013). The session was to be recorded by a certified court reporter, and the transcript would become part of the public record only after the conclusion of the litigation.