Six individuals, including a long-time city employee, have been named in a court complaint for their involvement in an illegal gambling ring operating in Jacksonville. The group is facing multiple racketeering and gambling charges, with some of the accused facing bail amounts as high as $3.5 million.
The illegal gambling operation, which ran 10 storefronts on Jacksonville’s Northside and Westside, began in September 2021. The complaint, filed by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office, accuses 12 individuals of knowingly participating in illicit activities by operating an illegal gambling business in violation of Florida Statutes.
The accused used the proceeds from the gambling activities to purchase properties, cars, and other luxury items. Among the key players in the operation, Robin Rukab Azzam is identified as the “manager or boss,” responsible for laundering money and storing it at her home. Her husband, George Azzam, assisted with running the centers, while others provided illegal gambling machines and software.
Majd Dabbas, one of the owners, made illegal “Dragon Kiosks” and transported money between gambling sites. Jerry Bass operated Jax Social on Shirley Avenue, aiding in money laundering, and Wilbert Bannister helped to operate the gambling business and delivered funds.
The complaint also identifies five other individuals, including two of the Azzam’s sons, as accomplices in the illegal enterprise. All the suspects remain in Duval County jail as the case continues to unfold.
