PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) – Authorities have successfully dismantled a massive illegal gambling network spanning across Florida, with arcades operating in West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Zephyrhills. The investigation revealed that the arcades were part of a sophisticated money-laundering operation, allegedly allowing suspects to pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars.
One of the most significant locations in the operation was VIP Sweepstakes, an arcade located in a Publix shopping plaza on Military Trail in West Palm Beach. From the outside, it appeared harmless, but investigations revealed that it was running as a Vegas-style casino, offering high-stakes games and cash payouts in violation of Florida gambling laws.
The investigation into VIP Sweepstakes began back in 2019, when the arcade was still known as Treasure Hunt Arcade. Over the years, the owners updated their machines and changed the branding, but authorities continued their probe. In 2022, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Money Laundering Unit took charge of the case, linking VIP Sweepstakes to several other illegal arcades across Florida, including Treasure Hunters in Fort Pierce, Pharaoh’s Treasure in Vero Beach, and another in Zephyrhills.
The investigation, referred to as “Operation Fool’s Treasure,” led to five arrests, including Nova Roffey (41), who, along with her husband David Roffey, owned the company behind the Treasure Hunt Arcade. Other suspects include Joseph Michael Pestana, Eric David Silverstein, Justin Earl Silverstein, and Jana Barvircakova.
Through undercover operations, authorities confirmed that the arcades were operating video slot machines offering cash prizes, which is illegal under Florida law. The arcades also used reload cards similar to those in cruise ship casinos, allowing patrons to load money onto cards, play the machines, and cash out winnings—all without proper licensing.
As the investigation progressed, authorities discovered money-laundering activities associated with the illegal gambling. Over the course of a year, nearly $763,000 was deposited into bank accounts tied to the West Palm Beach arcade, with funds used for payroll, utilities, and even luxury items like a Mini Cooper. Similar deposits were made into accounts for the other arcades involved.
Additionally, investigators uncovered the use of unlicensed ATMs in the arcades, known as white-label machines, which were only accessible to arcade patrons and operated by employees to control access.
The investigation also led to Grandview Products, a Miami-based company accused of supplying illegal slot machines to the arcades. Authorities discovered hundreds of slot machines in a warehouse owned by the company, further linking it to the illegal gambling network.
Nova Roffey has been charged with 50 counts of unlawful possession of slot machines, money laundering, and several other crimes related to operating illegal gambling establishments. Ritesh Patel, a manager at the West Palm Beach arcade, was arrested with a backpack full of cash intended for Roffey’s payroll. Patel faces similar charges.
The investigation continues, with authorities pursuing additional suspects and potential connections to a larger network of illegal gambling and money laundering across the state.
