Florida legislators push for stricter gambling regulations, raising concerns for online gaming platforms
Florida – Two new laws aiming at expanding and strengthening the state’s current gambling bans have been presented in the state legislature, which could have major effects on the future of gaming in Florida. Targeting internet casino gaming, sweepstakes casinos, and online sportsbook operations outside of the current arrangement with the Seminole Tribe, the proposed legislation targets internet casino gaming.
Representative Walter Barnaby presented House Bill 953 on February 24; two days later, Senator Corey Simon presented Senate Bill 1404 in the upper chamber. If implemented, these laws will expressly forbid non-tribal gaming activities across the state, therefore severely tightening the noose on these kinds of online gambling.
The proposed law’s emphasis on “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering,” which define consistently in both bills as acts that “simulate casino-style gaming,” is one of the main points of dispute. Whether actual money is transferred or not, this concept is fundamental since it lays the foundation for a thorough strategy to restrict gaming activities that resemble classic casino games.
The rather vague language of the laws is especially interesting since it seems to allow opportunity for possible negotiations between the Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock for an online casino business. This suggests that even if the laws are strict, there might be room for future negotiations that under controlled circumstances could change Florida’s gambling landscape.
The background of these proposals is the lucrative compact signed in 2021 between the state and the Seminole Tribe, which controls its gaming operations. Under this agreement, the tribe added Class III gaming and mobile sportsbooks to its casino operations, therefore generating major income for the state projected at about $500 million yearly. Having surmounted significant legal objections at both the state and federal levels, this 30-year deal represented a turning point in Florida’s gambling history.
Apart from strengthening these agreements, current laws also seek to question the growing sweepstakes casino industry. These platforms, which operate on a free-to-play model but offer real payouts, have skirted the fringes of gambling laws due to their unique business model. Redining such activities under the umbrella of “internet gambling,” Florida legislators seem ready to crack down on these businesses.
The stakes are also extremely high for individual players. The legislation classify participation as a second-degree misdemeanor and impose legal fines for both distributors and players of prohibited gaming forms. First warnings would be issued to Floridians, but repeated offenses could result in more severe legal action, thus highlighting Florida’s determination to stop illegal internet gaming.
Read also: Fort Walton Beach Police Department brings back Construction Junction for an action-packed day
These measures will surely be the target of debates and discussions that might change their ultimate form as they pass the parliamentary process. But their presentation emphasizes Florida legislators’ unambiguous intention to closely control the gambling scene and stop the uncontrolled growth of online gaming operations that would compromise the state-approved agreements and rules.
