WINK Digital Team
•8/17/2026
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — The Florida Gaming Control Commission seized 60 illegal slot machines from a Cape Coral business disguised as a legal bingo hall.
The enforcement, known as Operation Going Downtown, took place at Uptown Bingo, located at 2708 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Suite 108. The Florida Gaming Control Commission partnered with the Cape Coral Police Department to conduct the operation.
"Bingo is fun, and the FGCC supports lawful play," FGCC Commissioner Peter Cuderman said. "Unfortunately, criminals prey on Floridians by using a bingo theme on slot machines and falsely claiming these games are legal."
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Cuderman encouraged residents with concerns about the legality of a bingo operation to call the commission's tipline at 850-880-3433.
"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," Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said.
The commission reminded Floridians that simply labeling a slot machine as "bingo" or "instant bingo" does not make it legal. Bingo involving paid participation and prizes must comply with Florida law.
Floridians aged 18 or older may legally play bingo, including instant bingo, when the game is played using paper cards. Florida law strictly prohibits the play of bingo and instant bingo on electronic devices that display games of chance, including slot reels.
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Only certain organizations may offer traditional bingo in Florida, including charitable, nonprofit and veterans' organizations, as well as certain residential communities and groups. Under Florida law, an electronic machine or device that may entitle a player to a prize is considered a slot machine.
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.
Residents who suspect someone is operating an illegal bingo hall or casino may submit a crime tip online, by email at Tipline@FLGaming.gov or by phone at 850-880-3433.
