Florida Authorities Seize 60 Illegal Slot Machines In Cape Coral
The machines were allegedly presented as bingo games as Florida regulators continue a wider crackdown on unlicensed gambling operations.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has seized 60 alleged illegal slot machines from a Cape Coral venue as part of its ongoing enforcement activity against unlicensed gambling.
Working alongside Cape Coral Police, the regulator removed the machines and other gambling-related materials from Uptown Bingo on 17 August during an operation named Going Downtown. The FGCC said the action targeted machines presented as bingo games despite allegedly operating as illegal slots.
Regulator Targets Slots Disguised As Bingo
The FGCC said it supports legally operated bingo but warned that some businesses are using bingo branding to present slot-style gambling as lawful activity. The regulator has continued to investigate venues it believes are operating gambling machines outside Florida's legal framework.
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.”
Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said cooperation between local law enforcement and the state regulator had helped authorities investigate suspected illegal operations and protect residents.
“Our partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission allows us to effectively investigate these operations and protect the residents of Cape Coral,” Sizemore said. “We remain committed to enforcing the law and ensuring businesses operate legally and responsibly within our community.”
Florida Steps Up Illegal Gambling Enforcement
The Cape Coral seizure follows a significant increase in enforcement activity against illegal slot machines across Florida. During 2025, the FGCC seized 6,725 machines, compared with 1,287 during the previous year.
The five-member commission regulates areas including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms and authorised slot facilities, while its responsibilities also extend to criminal investigations and action against illegal gambling locations. The latest operation adds to a series of interventions aimed at removing unauthorised gaming machines from businesses across the state.
The enforcement activity comes after Florida lawmakers earlier this year failed to pass a wider overhaul of the state's gambling rules. The proposed reforms would have addressed the treatment of certain “amusement” slot machines while also introducing tighter provisions targeting offshore and sweepstakes-style gambling operations.
