A Dozen-Plus Charged in Illegal Jacksonville Gambling Ring

Following the bust of an illegal gaming ring in Jacksonville, Florida, across 10 locations, about a dozen suspects are now facing charges. 

The ring had been going on since 2021, during which time the suspects allegedly provided games like fish tables, fire links, and more. 

Fish tables involve shooting virtual fish with a cannon, while fire links are a knock-off of Las Vegas slots. 

This comes after a man announced he was suing Bestbet poker club in late Nov. 2024. 

More than 250 Gambling Devices Confiscated

Following the bust, 263 gambling devices, $2.5 million in cash, 15 vehicles valued around $1.7 million, jewelry, and two homes were seized. 

Police discovered that the suspects deposited all proceeds from the ring into about a dozen bank and credit union accounts, and the balances reached hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

The leader is suspected to be Robin Rukab Azzam. He allegedly went to licensed gambling properties to try to “clean” or merge the illicit funds with legal money. 

Azzam has been identified as a woman who used to be a city employee in Jacksonville and also ran for city council. 

Azzam allegedly ran the outfit with her husband, George Azzam. 

Other Suspects

Other suspects in this case include Ryan Strickland, Derek Fleming, Majd Dabbas, Jerry Bass, Willbert Bannister, and others with “lesser roles.” 

Several of these suspects have been arrested and charged with racketeering and illegal gambling. They were in custody earlier this month at a Duval County jail. 

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office filed a 32-page complaint in Duval County court on Dec. 11. 

The Investigation is Titled “Operation Fish & Chips”

According to WJXT, a Florida TV station, the investigation is being referred to as “Operation Fish & Chips.” 

Not only were these illegal gambling sites but they were also considered the site of additional crimes, including up to eight robberies and 26 assaults. Also, on Oct. 3, a security guard was murdered at one of the various locations. 

“By shutting down these illegal gaming locations and seizing their criminal proceeds, we remove one accelerant that ignites violence in our community,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said during a press conference earlier this month.

WJXT has released the addresses of the locations in the ring, which include the following: 

• 5354 Verna Boulevard
• 4547 Shirley Avenue
• 5331 Lenox Avenue
• 1513 Lane Avenue
• 734 Edgewood Avenue North
• 5045 Soutel Drive
• 4006 North Main Street
• 8014 Lem Turner Road
• 4578 Blanding Boulevard
• 6530 San Juan Avenue