Florida Bills Would Ban Gambling Ads, Lottery Couriers
Lawmakers in Florida have put forward several bills seeking to impose tighter restrictions on gambling advertisements, redefine what constitutes a slot machine, and establish stricter penalties for insider betting. These proposals aim to strengthen oversight of gambling-related activities in the state.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Senate Bill S1836, introduced by Sen. Jonathan Martin, and House Bill H1467, sponsored by Rep. John Snyder, both suggest stronger enforcement measures against illegal gambling. The bills clarify existing definitions and propose increased penalties for violations, particularly regarding gambling promotions.
Related: Florida Bill to Allow Casinos to Break Up with Race Tracks AdvancesA key provision in Sen. Martin's bill criminalizes the advertisement of unlawful gambling, making it a second-degree felony. This would apply to any promotions involving unlicensed casino gaming or sports betting operations not affiliated with the Seminole Tribe.
The bill also introduces harsher consequences for operating unauthorized gambling venues. Any establishment allowing individuals to pay for a chance to win items of value would face a third-degree felony charge. If these operations are near schools or places of worship, the offense would be elevated to a second-degree felony.
These legislative efforts align with additional bills put forward by Rep. Webster Barnaby and Sen. Corey Simon. Collectively, these measures represent a broader push to enhance gambling regulation, affecting both in-person and online gambling practices. If enacted, the laws would impose stricter control over advertising and enforcement actions in Florida's gambling industry.
Another component of Sen. Martin's bill is a proposed change to the legal definition of slot machines. Senate Bill S1836 expands the term to include any system or device with a video screen that accepts direct or indirect payments. The current definition, which requires a coin or other physical payment mechanism, would be updated to cover games that do not require cash to play.
The bill excludes traditional bingo and instant bingo from the revised definition. Under the proposed changes, manufacturing, selling, leasing, or owning slot machines meeting the updated criteria would be classified as a third-degree felony.
Rep. Snyder's House bill introduces penalties for misleading claims about slot machine legality. Under House Bill H1467, making deceptive statements regarding slot machines would be considered a third-degree felony. If the misrepresentation involves attempting to sell or distribute five or more machines, the charge would increase to a second-degree felony. Additionally, promoting or running games of chance through lotteries would also become a third-degree felony.
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Lottery Couriers Could be Banned
Sen. Martin's bill also revises Florida's lottery regulations by increasing penalties for possessing or operating unauthorized lottery tickets. Under the current law, possessing an illegal lottery ticket is classified as a misdemeanor. The proposed bill would escalate this charge to a third-degree felony.
The bill further increases penalties for operating an unlicensed lottery, raising the offense from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of authorized instant bingo, specifying that legally sanctioned games can be conducted both in retail locations and through mobile platforms.
Rep. Snyder's bill also addresses daily fantasy sports (DFS). The proposed legislation defines DFS as a game in which participants pay an entry fee to manage a fantasy sports team composed of professional athletes, competing for a cash prize.
However, the bill does not clearly state whether DFS games played against the house would be allowed. If passed, any platform or individual running a DFS operation in violation of the proposed guidelines would face a third-degree felony charge.
Another provision in Rep. Snyder's bill focuses on preventing insider betting. The legislation would make it a third-degree felony to bribe athletes, officials, or individuals with access to confidential team or game information to influence a game's outcome or an athlete's performance.
Similarly, if a player, referee, or anyone connected to a team accepts money or valuables in exchange for underperforming or deliberately affecting a game's result, they would also be charged with a third-degree felony.
The proposed law also seeks to penalize individuals who use insider knowledge to place bets. Under Rep. Snyder's bill, wagering money or anything of value on a game while knowing the outcome has been predetermined would be classified as a third-degree felony. These measures are designed to prevent corruption and safeguard the integrity of sports and gambling activities in the state.
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