Accused Robber is Jailed After Stealing $7K From Florida Jackpot Winner

Posted on: March 3, 2024, 12:18h. 

Last updated on: March 4, 2024, 11:44h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A man was booked in jail last week after robbing a player who had just walked out of Jacksonville, Fla.’s bestbet casino.

Bestbet gaming property
Bestbet casino in Jacksonville, Fla. was the site of a recent robbery. (Image: TripAdvisor)

The victim had won about $20K while in the Monument Road gaming property on February 17. He left the casino floor and was walking toward his car. when the suspect approached him and “held a gun to his head and took $7,000 cash out of his right jacket pocket,” according to Action News Jax.

The robber then fled from the crime scene. Police identified him as Sean Evans, 21, after finding his cell phone on the pavement. He was arrested for the robbery last week.

No Injuries

No shots were fired during the incident and it appeared that no one was injured during the holdup.

It wasn’t clear if Evans began tailing the victim while he was on the gaming floor, or noticed him after he left the building.

The case was turned over to local prosecutors. If convicted, Evans could face many years in prison. But a plea deal is possible, too.

In a circumstance like this, where you’re 21-years-old, you’re subject to what’s known as the Youthful Offender Act, which allows a reduction in standard sentencing for an adult,” Dale Carson, a former Miami-Dade County police officer and ex FBI agent, explained to Action News Jax.

The victim was not identified by authorities.

Ask for Escort to Your Car

When asked about safety at the gaming property, one frequent visitor, Nic Malone, told Action News Jax, “It  definitely is a little scary, and if you have a lot of money on you, maybe you get an escort to the car or something, … They have security that’ll walk you to your car if you need it.”

Visitors also told Action News Jax they may rethink about leaving the property with cash stuffed in their pockets.

Since 2020, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office got close to 300 calls for a variety of incidents at bestbet. Some 42 were disputes, 13 were burglaries, seven were assaults, and three were robberies, according to data from the sheriff’s office.

When asked for comment, a bestbet spokesperson said casino staff is cooperating with authorities who continue to investigate the robbery. The spokesperson declined to give details on the incident, but did confirm the robbery took place.