The owner of a Florida slots parlor accused of operating a $24 million illegal gambling enterprise is asking a judge to throw out the most serious charges against her, arguing prosecutors have dressed up a relatively straightforward gambling case as organized crime.

Rima Ray, 45, owner of the Il Villagio Senior Entertainment Center in Lady Lake, Fla., has filed a 32-page motion seeking dismissal of a racketeering charge and three money-laundering counts.

Florida authorities raided Il Villagio in July 2025 following an undercover investigation, seizing around 190 alleged illegal slot machines. Another 80 machines were discovered at a warehouse, according to prosecutors.

Authorities allege more than $24 million flowed through bank accounts connected to the operation between January 2023 and July 2025. They have previously claimed money was moved through shell companies, wire transfers, and overseas accounts, while nearly $3 million was transferred into Ray’s personal account.

But Ray’s attorneys contend those allegations do not amount to a violation of Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.

The defense argues prosecutors have failed to establish a pattern of racketeering involving separate criminal incidents. Instead, it claims the alleged conduct amounts to one continuing illegal gambling operation.

“Stripped of the State’s characterization, this is a garden variety criminal undertaking,” Ray’s attorneys wrote.

They note that the lead investigator in the case, Robaldo Ramos, acknowledged during deposition that authorities found no evidence of drugs, prostitution, back-room poker games, or other criminal activity at Il Villagio, a slots parlor mainly used by senior citizens. He also confirmed Ray was the business’s sole owner and operator.