Florida’s legal sports betting market continues to generate significant revenue, but state officials say a growing web of illegal and loosely regulated gambling operations is siphoning money away from taxpayers. Attorney General James Uthmeier has placed the issue at the center of his 2026 agenda, combining aggressive enforcement with support for legislation aimed at strengthening Florida’s gambling laws.
The state’s exclusive sports betting arrangement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida has produced hundreds of millions of dollars, with projections estimating $4.4 billion in state revenue through 2030. Alongside that growth, officials report an expansion of unlicensed storefront casinos, offshore betting sites, sweepstakes-style gaming apps, fantasy sports platforms with wagering-like features, and federally regulated prediction markets operating in uncertain legal territory.
Uthmeier has consistently described the Seminole compact as the foundation of Florida’s gaming system.
Enforcement Actions Intensify Statewide
Over the past year, Uthmeier’s office has pursued several major cases. In June, prosecutors charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos López and others in what authorities described as a large Central Florida illegal gambling operation. The investigation involved federal and state agencies and resulted in racketeering and conspiracy charges tied to nearly $22 million in alleged illicit proceeds. Governor Ron DeSantis suspended López the same day.
Uthmeier has said illegal gambling networks often link to other crimes, including money laundering and human trafficking. His office has also focused on offshore platforms such as Bovada and MyBookie, exploring ways to disrupt payment processors, hosting services, and access through virtual private networks, an effort he has described as a persistent “whack-a-mole” problem.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission has expanded its own enforcement. In 2025, the agency reported seizing nearly $14.5 million and 6,725 illegal slot machines, more than double the totals from 2024. Raids targeted bars, convenience stores, and storefront arcades, and the commission signed 29 new enforcement agreements with partner agencies.
Scrutiny Of Gray-Area Gambling Platforms
Uthmeier’s office has issued subpoenas to sweepstakes casino operators and plans to meet with company leaders to review how their platforms operate and whether they comply with state law. While some operators dispute claims that their products constitute gambling, officials say gray-area status does not eliminate oversight. Prediction market operators, meanwhile, argue that federal commodities regulators govern their activities, setting up potential legal conflicts.
Lawmakers Weigh Tougher Penalties
Several bills filed for the 2026 session seek to reinforce enforcement. HB 189 proposes broader penalties and expanded regulatory authority while preserving gambling allowed under the Seminole compact. SB 204 focuses more narrowly on amusement games and slot machine rules. HB 591 would elevate many gambling-related offenses to higher felony levels and centralize enforcement authority.
Deputy Chief of Staff Jeremy Redfern said the state plans to press forward. “Our office is working with the Florida Legislature to increase penalties and the Gaming Commission to take down illicit markets,” he said. “2026 will be a record year in the fight against illegal gambling and the other major crime it brings to our state.”
Source:
“As legal betting booms, James Uthmeier, lawmakers target shadow gambling economy”, miamitimesonline.com, January 5, 2026
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