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Florida lawmakers are moving forward with broad changes to state gambling rules, including a proposal to crack down on online sports betting and iGaming that operate outside the Seminole Tribe system. An amended version of H.B. 189 cleared its first committee stop this week.
Good to Know
The Florida House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee approved the amended bill on Tuesday. The legislation now heads to the commerce committee and the criminal justice subcommittee. Lawmakers still have several steps before the bill could reach the full chamber.
A major change added this week is a new section that would classify the operation or promotion of unauthorized online sports betting, iGaming, or broader illegal gambling as a third-degree felony. The bill would also make participation in those activities a misdemeanor.
Because the state grants sports betting exclusivity to the Seminole Tribe under a compact, the measure effectively targets any sports wagering done with operators other than Hard Rock Bet. Florida does not permit commercial iGaming of any kind.
Although lawmakers have not outlined exactly who may be affected, the language is broad enough to cover offshore sportsbooks, unlicensed casino apps, and possibly even federally regulated prediction platforms. The bill defines online sports betting as wagering on any contest of skill, speed, power, or endurance accessible through mobile or internet-connected devices.
The definition does not apply to fantasy sports contests or authorized pari-mutuel wagering.
H.B. 189 also carries several other proposed changes to gambling rules. These include a framework to regulate daily fantasy sports, rules for betting when a game outcome is known to be fixed, updated reporting requirements for pari-mutuel permitholders, and restrictions on how local governments may regulate gaming activity.
Similar bills have surfaced in previous legislative sessions but have not become law. Lawmakers say the latest version aims to tighten enforcement while giving regulators new tools.
A summary of the legislation notes:
“The bill strengthens penalties for illegal gambling, authorizes the operation of fantasy sports contests, clarifies employee prohibitions governing the Florida Gaming Control Commission, revises reporting requirements related to changes in ownership for pari-mutuel wagering permitholders, and preempts local governments from regulating gaming activities unless expressly provided in Florida law.”
Operating or promoting unauthorized online sports betting, iGaming, or other illegal gambling. Playing those games would also be a misdemeanor.
Only the Seminole Tribe through Hard Rock Bet, plus authorized pari-mutuel wagering.
Yes. It outlines a legal structure for fantasy sports contests.
The language is broad, so offshore sportsbooks and unlicensed apps could fall under its scope.