A comprehensive gambling legislation aimed at increasing penalties for unauthorized slot operations and addressing corruption in sports betting progressed to the Florida House floor on Tuesday after passing its third committee.
HB 189, introduced by Republican Representative Dana Trabulsy, was approved by the Commerce Committee with an 18–5 vote. A vote on the floor is yet to be scheduled, as the state’s legislative session is expected to conclude by March 13.
This proposal would elevate illegal gambling offenses to third-degree felonies and establish new offenses linked to sports betting corruption. It also enhances oversight and ethical standards for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, including prohibiting commissioners from taking certain gambling-related positions for a defined period post-tenure.
The bill further strengthens licensing and ownership transparency requirements, eliminating ownership interest benchmarks for alterations in pari-mutuel permits, and modifies an earlier version to authorize local governments to create their own gambling regulations. Additionally, it legalizes fantasy sports competitions and allows veterans groups running “amusement games” to apply for certification from the gaming commission.
Trabulsy stated that she personally investigated the extent of illegal gambling operations. “I spent around $600 researching illegal gambling,” she mentioned during her testimony.
She also argued that the legislation is essential to preserving the integrity of Florida’s 2021 gaming agreement with the Seminole Tribe, which provides the tribe exclusive rights over sports betting and casino-style gaming in the state.
“The Seminole Tribe contributed over $2.5 billion to the state of Florida over a five-year period,” Trabulsy noted, alluding to the revenue-sharing clause embedded within the compact. “When illegal gambling occurs, and the state is deprived of tax revenue, it creates an unfair advantage, which is not our intention.”
Proponents of the bill contended that enhancing enforcement would help mitigate associated crime and safeguard the state’s regulated gambling framework, while detractors previously expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on veterans groups operating “amusement games.”