Florida Seize 60 Illegal Slot Machines Disguised as Bingo in Cape Coral
Last year, the commission seized over 6,500 illegal slot machines
Florida’s latest sweep against unlicensed gaming in Cape Coral has again put the region’s illegal slot market under scrutiny.
On Monday, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, working with Cape Coral Police, said it seized 60 machines and other gambling material from Uptown Bingo in an operation dubbed Going Downtown.
The commission framed the action as part of a wider enforcement push against venues that disguise slot play as bingo.
Commissioner Peter Cuderman said: “Bingo is fun, and the FGCC supports lawful play. Unfortunately, criminals prey on Floridians by using a bingo theme on slot machines and falsely claiming these games are legal.”
Enforcement Gets Tighter
Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore backed the operation, saying the partnership helps officers keep residents safe and ensure businesses comply with the law.
He said: “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.”
The FGCC, a five-member regulator overseeing pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms and slot facilities, says its remit includes criminal investigations and the shutdown of illegal gambling sites.
A Wider Crackdown in Florida
The seizure followed a broader pattern of enforcement in Florida.
Over the course of 2025, the FGCC had seized 6,725 illegal slot machines, which was a spike from 2024’s figure of 1,287.
Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers failed to pass a broad rewrite of gaming rules that would have reformed how “amusement” slot machines are treated and would have also tightened language aimed at offshore and sweepstakes-style operations.
