Florida Lawmakers to Address Stricter Illegal Gambling Penalties

The Florida Legislature faces growing pressure to address the state's lenient gambling penalties as it prepares for a session commencing on January 13 and concluding on March 13. The upcoming legislative gathering is set to prioritize tackling illegal gambling activities. These activities range from unregulated "arcades" housing illicit slot machines to offshore sportsbooks that offer more appealing odds than those available from Florida's sole licensed operator, Hard Rock Bet. Moreover, controversial online sweepstakes casinos have intensified their marketing efforts toward Floridian residents. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has called upon legislators to intensify their stance against illegal gambling, currently considered only a misdemeanor under state legislation.

New Bills and Penalties

Recently introduced by Florida legislators was HB 591, a comprehensive anti-gambling bill representing a broader initiative to elevate criminal penalties, target unauthorized operators, and impose stricter controls over the gambling sector within the state. Arriving approximately two weeks after the proposal of another measure, HB 189, this new legislation aims to criminalize online and land-based gambling activities not operated by tribal entities, with special concessions for daily fantasy sports. The scope of HB 591 encompasses more than just internet gambling or machine parlors. It proposes significant revisions to substantial parts of Florida's gambling statutes and advocates for markedly increased penalties. The proposed measures address a variety of aspects including possession of slot machines, online betting, unauthorized gambling facilities, advertising, and even the act of transporting individuals to gambling venues.

Community and Legal Ramifications

The dialogue around illegal gambling in Florida heavily involves the Seminole Tribe, as their six land-based casinos and the racinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the only locales where slot machines are permissible. Additionally, bingo-style electronic gaming machines are legally sanctioned at the Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami and at the tribe’s Little Trail Casino located in the Everglades. In a warning issued in September, David Hoenemeyer, the COO of Seminole Gaming, alerted the public about the proliferation of unlawful arcades throughout the state. These venues, disguised as gaming arcades, were characterized as illegal gambling establishments potentially jeopardizing naive patrons and the community at large.

For travelers traversing Florida’s main highways, encountering illegal gambling outfits posing as arcades is a common occurrence, particularly near highway exits. Reports from law enforcement and the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) indicate that the current penalties, mostly resulting in misdemeanor charges, fail to deter operators of these illicit businesses adequately. Hoenemeyer emphasized that such operations often evade tax obligations and target individuals oblivious to the serious risks involved. Investigations have discovered that these operations frequently neglect to honor jackpot payouts and often configure their slot machines unfairly, denying fair returns to players.

Source: Source: "Florida Lawmakers to Discuss Stricter Illegal Gambling Penalties Next Session," Gambling News.