Florida Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Operations

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) and the Cape Coral Police Department have shut down an illicit gambling operation disguised as a bingo hall. Seizing 60 illegal slot machines, authorities are issuing a strong reminder to Floridians about the strict state laws governing charitable gaming and electronic devices.

The enforcement, known as Operation Going Downtown, took place at 2708 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Suite 108, in Cape Coral, at a location named Uptown Bingo.

“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.”

Understanding Florida's Strict Bingo Regulations

The FGCC reminds Floridians that bingo involving paid participation and prizes must comply with Florida law. Simply labeling a slot machine as “bingo” or “instant bingo” does not make it legal.

Legal Bingo: Floridians aged 18 or older may legally play bingo, including instant bingo, when the game is played using paper cards. Additionally, only certain authorized organizations may offer traditional bingo in Florida, including charitable, nonprofit, and veterans’ organizations, as well as specific residential communities and groups.

Illegal Electronic Devices: Florida law strictly prohibits the play of bingo and instant bingo on electronic devices that display games of chance, including slot reels. Under Florida law, an electronic machine or device that may entitle a player to a prize—whether through the application of skill, by reason of any element of chance, or any other outcome unpredictable to the player—is considered a slot machine. This includes electronic devices that display the results of bingo or instant bingo games using depictions of slot reels or other games of chance.

“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.”

Authorized Gaming Locations and How to Report Fraud

Slot machines are lawful at eight licensed locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, as well as at facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. A mapped list of legal locations to play slots is available at FLGaming.gov/locations.

If you suspect someone is operating an illegal bingo hall or casino, or conducting any other illegal gambling, you are encouraged to submit a crime tip through the following channels:

Online: FLGaming.gov/File-aReport

Email: Tipline@FLGaming.gov

Phone Tipline: 850-880-3433

The FGCC appreciates its partnership with the Cape Coral Police Department and its continued efforts to combat illegal gambling in Florida.

Information on the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) The Florida Gaming Control Commission is a five-member regulatory body that regulates legal gambling and enforces the prohibition on illegal gambling in Florida. For more information about the Florida Gaming Control Commission, visit www.flgaming.gov.