A “caretaker” for an elderly couple in Florida, who reportedly took around $100K from them, was apprehended this week in what seemed to be one of the numerous unlawful gambling operations disguised as an “internet café” or “arcade” in the Sunshine State. 

Authorities in Volusia County were searching for 56-year-old Yvonne Wroblewski, a caregiver at home, after an elderly couple informed police that she had taken their money. 

A charging affidavit states that the unnamed couple allowed Wroblewski to utilize their credit cards and bank accounts to buy items and settle bills for them. Instead, Wroblewski reportedly took nearly $100K from the couple. 

What she did with the supposedly misappropriated money remains unclear. Nonetheless, Wroblewski’s apprehension at an unauthorized slots venue in DeLand may suggest that part of the money supported her gambling addiction. 

Florida's 'Arcades' Continue to Be an Issue 

Las Vegas-style slot machines are prohibited in Florida except for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and within casinos run by the Seminole Tribe. 

The Seminoles operate six casinos within the state. Authorized parimutuel venues in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are also permitted to operate slot machines. A tribe in Southeast Florida also runs electronic bingo machines that resemble slot machines. 

The law hasn't prevented what seems like an endless number of strip mall shops from launching enterprises featuring electronic gaming machines that enable players to wager for cash. The unlawful enterprises are frequently advertised as "internet cafes" and "arcades." 

The illegitimacy of these enterprises appears to continue to puzzle even certain law enforcement agencies. Although the establishment where Wroblewski was found and arrested resembled an illegal gambling operation, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office described it as an “internet café” in a post on X.

"In-home caretaker Yvonne Wroblewski has been arrested for the exploitation of a senior couple in DeLand. She gained their trust & took them for up to $100K. She was arrested at an internet cafe in DeLand this week after a deputy spotted her vehicle there,” the tweet read.

Casino.org identified the unlicensed gambling operation situated in the Countryside Square shopping center on S. Spring Garden Ave. in DeLand. 

Government Repression 

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) claims that arcades such as the one where Wroblewski was arrested are essentially illegal gambling operations. To address the statewide issue, in April, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) enacted a law that allows seized gaming devices and funds from unauthorized casinos to be transferred to state ownership. 

Wroblewski faces charges for grand theft, exploiting the elderly, and fraudulent use of personal identification. As of Thursday afternoon, she continued to be held in Volusia County Jail with a bail set at $60,000. 

The FGCC issued a statement to Casino.org regarding the DeLand incident.

"This unfortunate case shows the truly predatory nature of illegal gambling in Florida, with illicit businesses committing crimes that directly impact communities and some of our most vulnerable populations. Unlawful, unregulated gambling at illegal casinos have no guarantees of fair play, provide absolutely zero consumer protections, pay no state tax on their revenue, and offer no recourse if an operator refuses to pay out winnings.

“Illegal casinos are a true threat to Floridians and visitors, and the Florida Gaming Control Commission is dedicated to addressing illicit gambling throughout the state to protect the safety and integrity of our communities. We do encourage citizens to report any illegal casinos or other unlawful gambling operations to us so we can investigate further and work with local law enforcement partners to shut these down.”

Concerns may be submitted online at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, via email at [email protected], or by calling 850-880-3433.