Florida lawmakers have put forward two bills, SB 1404 and HB 1467, to stop any form of online betting that isn’t covered by Florida’s contract with the Seminole Tribe. If passed into law, they would restrict online gambling in the state, especially the operation of many sweepstakes casinos and sports betting platforms. However, both bills have been withdrawn from consideration until further notice.
Under SB 1404, presented by Senator Corey Simon, internet gambling was defined as any casino-style game that was played to either gain money or something that has value outside the game. The bill aimed to ban online casinos that weren’t under the Seminole Tribe. This bill posed a threat to many unregulated gambling casinos.
Nonetheless, many players have been playing their favourite casino games at Inclave casinos. Players turn to these casinos because they have bigger game libraries, massive bonuses, and payouts. And with Inclave, they don’t have to worry about using multiple login details when visiting multiple casino sites. They can simply log in with just one set.
While alternative casinos provide players with multiple choices, SB 1404 makes it illegal for them to visit such sites, as it describes online gambling as a third-degree felony. The bill would centralize the state’s gaming platform under its contract with the Seminole Tribe, making it difficult for other platforms to thrive. This would remove any possible competition from semi-regulated or unregulated sweepstakes platforms.
The bill passed two Senate committees but was stopped by the Senate Appropriation Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. The committee has decided to shelve the bill for now, and it can only be reviewed if Governor Ron DeSantis calls for a special session.
HB 1467 also proposed criminal punishment for those involved in sports betting activities that are not done on the Hard Rock platform. While this bill focuses on sports betting, it is part of a bigger plan to close loopholes in the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) regulatory framework.
The bill contains a provision to increase the cooling-off period for former FGCC members before they can partner with sports betting or fantasy sports companies. HB 1467 also brings daily sports fantasy (DFS) under the jurisdiction of the FGCC. Regulations guiding DFS operators are unclear, and most time, DFS operators aren’t supervised by the state. By bringing them under the FGCC, the bill aims to provide a clear regulatory framework for that section of the industry.
The bill had advanced through different committees, including the Budget Committee and the Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee, but it was stopped at the Commerce Committee after a few amendments were made, ultimately leading to its withdrawal.
Although supporters of both bills argue that HB 1467 and SB 1404 would protect consumers, critics argue that they could limit consumer choice and competition. The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has also commended the development, stating that they see it as a progressive step towards innovation. The SPGA added that this win follows a national trend where lawmakers are rejecting anti-gaming bills that prevent creativity and growth of the gambling industry, and that the bills also aim to control how the average American adult plays online casino games on their phones.
