Florida Gaming Control Commission reminds Floridians that bingo involving paid participation and prizes must comply with Florida law
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), in partnership with the Cape Coral Police Department, has seized 60 illegal slot machines from a business operating under the guise of a legal bingo venue.
Through Operation Going Downtown, the enforcement action took place on Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral, at a location named Uptown Bingo.
Authorities seized 60 slot machines that were operating under the guise of bingo machines. Florida law strictly prohibits the play of bingo and instant bingo on electronic devices that display games of chance, including slot reels.
“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. Our FGCC agents are here to serve Floridians and protect them from unscrupulous operators.”
Floridians aged 18 or older may legally play bingo, including instant bingo, when the game is played using paper cards.
Additionally, only certain organizations may offer traditional bingo in the state, including charitable, non-profit, and veterans’ organizations, as well as certain residential communities and groups.
“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.”
Under Florida law, an electronic machine or device that may entitle a player to a prize, whether through 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.
Slot machines are only legal at eight licensed locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, as well as at facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.