Two gaming parlors closed after investigation

Two adult gaming parlors were shut down Wednesday in Nassau County following an eight-month investigation.

Fifteen gambling machines, hundreds of debit cards and cash, together valued at $250,000, were seized from Cabana Gold in Callahan and Treasure Bay in Fernandina Beach, Sheriff Tommy Seagraves said.

Cabana Gold owner Carl Gibson and his brother Russell Gibson, who owns Treasure Bay, have not been charged with crimes.

Seagraves said the investigation is ongoing and other gaming parlors in Nassau could be shut down.

In June, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office sent letters to several businesses that were selling phone cards then providing slot-style machines that accepted the cards. Those business owners have been told to stop operating computers and other devices that appeared to be used for gambling while investigators determined if the operations were unlawful.

The Nassau County gaming parlors were shut down after undercover deputies were paid their winnings in cash. Some winning patrons were paid with $100 Visa debit cards, which Seagraves said also violates Florida law.

The Sheriff's Office also charged a Jacksonville woman with selling cocaine to an undercover deputy at Cabana Gold during the investigation.

Beverly Hicks, 52, is being held on $50,000 bail at the Nassau County jail.

Wendi Zongker/Dana Treen