A raid in Florida has seized 60 illegal slot machines from Uptown Bingo in Cape Coral, a venue “posing as a legal bingo establishment.”
State authorities announced the enforcement action while reminding residents that “not all bingo is legal.”
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) carried out the raid in collaboration with the Cape Coral Police Department. The enforcement, known as Operation Going Downtown, took place at Uptown Bingo, a venue on Santa Barbara Boulevard. The business is now listed as permanently closed on Google.
“Bingo is fun, and the FGCC supports lawful play,” said FGCC Commissioner Peter Cuderman in a press release. “Unfortunately, criminals prey on Floridians by using a bingo theme on slot machines and falsely claiming these games are legal.”
Authorities Clarify Florida Bingo Laws
Floridians aged 18 or older may legally play bingo, including instant bingo, when the game is played using paper cards. Uptown Bingo’s website says it offers both paper and electronic bingo.
Florida law strictly prohibits the play of bingo and instant bingo on electronic devices that display games of chance. Additionally, only certain organizations may offer traditional bingo in Florida, including: charitable, nonprofit, and veterans’ organizations, as well as certain residential communities and groups.
The FGCC actively targets any venues offering Illegal gaming and seized almost $15 million in raids last year. Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore added that his department remains “committed to enforcing the law and ensuring businesses operate legally and responsibly within our community.”
“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,” he added.
Mixed Reviews of Volunteer Staff
Google reviewers highlight the sense of community at Uptown Bingo. A review from two months ago noted, “Whenever I visit my parents, I go play bingo with my mom here. The people are very nice and helpful. They remember all the regulars…and when I say all, I mean all! The snack bar serves decent food at reasonable prices. Thanks for helping make memories with my mom.”
On its paper bingo cards, the company states that “pursuant to Florida state law, volunteers are not paid.”
Other reviewers say that the staff asks for tips whenever a customer wins any amount of money, while highlighting that most players lose.
Customers also highlight that while offering bingo games played via cards, which is legal, the venue also had “dirty slots,” which were the subject of the raid.
The FGCC and Cape Coral police encouraged the public to come forward and report anyone whom they suspect is running an illegal gambling establishment.
In addition to clarifying the law on bingo, the authorities reminded residents that slots are only available at select locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, as well as at facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
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A raid in Florida has seized 60 illegal slot machines from Uptown Bingo in Cape Coral, a venue “posing as a legal bingo establishment.” State authorities announced the enforcement action while reminding residents that “not all bingo is legal.” The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) carried out the raid in collaboration with the Cape Coral
The post Florida Reminds Residents ‘Not All Bingo is Legal’ After Raid Seizes 60 Machines From Cape Coral Venue appeared first on CasinoBeats.