A South Venice gaming club that was fined $250 a day for violating Sarasota County zoning laws refused to close.

The Fatboy Gaming Room at 803 U.S. 41 Bypass is still open, despite all businesses operating in the county being denied the required certificate of occupancy.

Fatboy was one of four clubs in southern Sarasota County last month and lost a lawsuit seeking to force the county to submit a residency certificate.

The other three clubs, Jackpot 777 in nocomis and players' club and players' paradise in Inglewood, were closed. These clubs were denied licenses because the county claims they violate Florida's gambling laws.

Bob Gentry, Sarasota County's chief law enforcement officer, said tax lien had been set for Patboy and the county could seize the building next year. R.J. Smith, Patboy's owner, said he was unaware his club was being fined $250 a day. "No one has written to us," he said. "This is the first time I've heard of it."

Gentry, a county code enforcement officer, replied, "It's amazing that he doesn't know about it. The fines continue until the business complies with unfinished regulations."

Fatboy was open as usual Tuesday morning, where about five customers were playing video poker and slot machines.

County District Police officers have likened the clubs to "mini casinos," but Fatboy looks nothing like anything on the streets of Vegas.

A table covered in potato chips and honey bread is in the middle of a dimly lit club, splitting rows of video slot machines. Instead of compensating in cash, Fatboy offers Visa and Walmart gift cards up to $400.

Almost everyone at the club was over 65 on Tuesday morning.

"No one is preparing for old age here," said one customer. "I don't know what the problem is."

Smith, the owner, said he hoped the county would leave him alone.

"We're not doing anything wrong," he said, "and we're not hurting anyone."

However, City of Venice administrator Marty Black credited the county for taking action against the club.    프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트

"Our police were very supportive of what the county was doing," Black said. "We have serious concerns about our activities at these facilities."