The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has, in partnership with the Cape Coral Police Department, announced a new successful bust against illegal gambling venues, resulting in the seizure of gambling paraphernalia, cash, and machines. A total of 60 slot machines labeled by the organizers as “bingo” were seized.
FGCC Continues to Target Illegal Gambling Venues Consistently
The latest operation was dubbed Operation Going Downtown and it targeted a location in Cape Coral, known as Uptown Bingo. The FGCC released a public statement in which it touted the efforts plowed into busting the illegal operation, and also teasing that no criminal would escape the commission’s efforts to bring them to justice.
“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,” FGCC commissioner Peter Cuderman clarified.
The FGCC explained that bingos that offer paid participation and prizes must always meet the regulatory statutes in Florida, and just because slot machines would be labeled as “bingo” did not mean that they constitute this type of activity.
Cape Coral police chief Anthony Sizemore welcomed the latest move against the illegal gambling sector, arguing that thanks to recent efforts, Floridians may continue to enjoy bingo responsibly and safely.
Sizemore noted that such illegal operations, however, undermined the credibility of honest and charitable bingo contests.
“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,” Sizemore added.