Florida gambling regulators and Cape Coral police have confiscated 60 illegal slot machines from a local business authorities say was masquerading as a lawful bingo hall.
Agents with the Florida Gaming Control Commission joined Cape Coral Police Department officers for the action at Uptown Bingo, at 2708 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Suite 108. Authorities dubbed the effort Operation Going Downtown.
When announcing the seizure Aug. 17, the commission warned players that adding bingo branding or imagery to an electronic gambling device does not turn an otherwise illegal machine into a lawful game.
“Bingo is fun, and the FGCC supports lawful play,” said FGCC Commissioner Peter Cuderman. “Unfortunately, criminals prey on Floridians by using a bingo theme on slot machines and falsely claiming these games are legal. If you have concerns about the legality of a bingo operation, call our tipline at 850-880-3433. Our FGCC agents are here to serve Floridians and protect them from unscrupulous operators.”
Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said the concern extends beyond people playing unauthorized games.
“These illegal operations are more than just unauthorized games—they are unlawful businesses that undermine legitimate charitable gaming and can create opportunities for broader criminal activity,” said Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore. “Our partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission allows us to effectively investigate these operations and protect the residents of Cape Coral. We remain committed to enforcing the law and ensuring businesses operate legally and responsibly within our community.”
Players 18 and older may legally participate in Florida bingo and instant bingo when paper cards are used. Electronic devices displaying games of chance, including slot-style reels, cannot legally offer those games.
State rules also restrict who can run paid bingo offering prizes. Eligible operators include certain charities, nonprofits and veterans’ groups, as well as qualifying residential communities and organizations.
A device can qualify as a slot machine under Florida law when prizes depend on chance, skill or another outcome beyond the player’s prediction. That can cover electronic bingo devices displaying results with reels or other chance-game imagery.
Lawful slots remain limited to eight licensed sites in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and gambling facilities run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
The Uptown Bingo action follows several major Florida crackdowns. In August 2025, Cape Coral police and gaming regulators seized 428 machines and more than $540,000 while searching six casinos and a residence after a months-long investigation. Lee County authorities followed in October with raids at three businesses that yielded another 111 machines and $36,888.
Enforcement expanded again in 2026. Operation Reel of Fortune ultimately produced seizures of 623 illegal slots and $350,800 across Duval, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard counties during a three-day operation.
Anyone who suspects an unlawful bingo hall, casino or gambling business can send information through the gaming commission’s online crime-tip system. The five-member commission oversees lawful gambling statewide and enforces Florida’s restrictions against illegal gambling.
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