The Florida legislature is adopting a dual enforcement approach through House Bills 591 and 189, initiatives that revamp the state’s gambling regulations to focus on online betting, unregulated gaming machines, and wagers linked to rigged sports events.
Initially introduced, HB 189 aims to tackle both unregulated online and physical gaming by broadly defining “Internet gambling” and “Internet sports wagering” to encompass online casino games and bets on contests involving humans or animals. The proposal explicitly states that daily fantasy sports are exempt from this regulation, and any gambling under the Seminole Tribe compact remains unchanged.
Participating in unlawful online gambling would be classified as a misdemeanor under HB 189, while facilitating or advertising unauthorized wagering could lead to felony charges. This bill also reinforces the state’s crackdown on illegal machine gaming venues.
HB 591 reforms penalties and state oversight
House Bill 591, introduced later by Rep. Berny Jacque, fundamentally revises significant portions of Florida’s gambling laws. This bill defines internet gambling as any game where “money or another valuable item is awarded based on chance, regardless of skill application… and simulates traditional casino gaming, which includes, but is not limited to, slot machines, video poker, and table games.”
The legislation imposes criminal liability on operators, staff, and individuals providing property for illegal gaming establishments. Enhanced penalties are enforced for repeat offenses. A new first-degree felony provision targets the trafficking of slot machines, imposing fines of up to $500,000 for selling, transporting, or distributing 15 or more machines.
HB 591 also criminalizes organizing transport to illegal gambling locations. Penalties escalate if minors, seniors, or groups of 12 or more people are transported. Furthermore, the proposal includes considerations for bail linked to seized funds.
Advertising for illegal gambling—including online ads, printed materials, and public announcements—is set to be banned under the bill.
Local authorities would lose the power to independently establish gambling regulations. All jurisdiction would be centralized under the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
Accountability for match-fixing and fantasy sports regulations
Both bills feature clauses addressing game result manipulation. HB 591 includes a provision stating that “Anyone who bets or wagers money or something of value on any professional or amateur game, contest, match, race, or sporting event while aware that the results are pre-arranged or predestined commits a third-degree felony.”
HB 189 contains similar restrictions on wagering related to rigged results and details requirements for fantasy sports competitions, specifying that winners must not be determined solely by final scores, point spreads, or team performances.
Opposition from the sweepstakes industry
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is pushing back against the classification of sweepstakes-based products in HB 591. “We strongly oppose the portrayal of Social Plus games that utilize sweepstakes as being similar to illegal offshore gambling operations,” remarked SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan.
“While HB 591 aims commendably to eliminate illegal gambling in Florida, it fails to recognize the legitimate operation of promotional sweepstakes within the state,” he added.
SGLA refers to an economic impact analysis suggesting annual player expenditures exceeding $1 billion statewide and a potential state revenue opportunity surpassing $70 million annually through regulation. The organization emphasizes that involved companies such as VGW, Modo Casino, and Publishers Clearing House’s owner, ARB Gaming, adhere to Florida’s consumer protection and financial transaction requirements.
State officials have publicly expressed concerns regarding gray-market operations and the risks of match-fixing. The Florida Gaming Control Commission has requested enhanced enforcement measures, and Attorney General James Uthmeier has expressed support for escalating criminal penalties against illicit gambling operators.