Florida legislators are once again attempting to tighten the state’s gambling laws, resurfacing a proposal that would make wagering on sports with insider knowledge a felony. The latest version, House Bill 189, arrives as two major professional leagues confront high-profile gambling scandals that have renewed political urgency around sports integrity.
New Penalties Target Insider Knowledge and Bribery
Filed by Rep. Dana Trabulsy, HB 189 outlines a broad slate of gambling reforms, but the centerpiece is a provision aimed squarely at any individual who knowingly wagers on a fixed sporting event. According to the bill, it would be a third-degree felony for anyone to place a bet on an amateur or professional contest if they have “knowledge that the results of such professional or amateur game, contest, match, race or sport are prearranged or predetermined.”
A conviction for a third-degree felony in Florida can lead to a prison term of up to five years and a fine as large as $5,000. Those penalties would also extend to players, coaches, officials, and relatives involved in any form of bribery connected to prearranging results.
Legislative analysts noted the bill could have mixed financial effects on local governments: “This may create a positive fiscal impact to local governmental entities that receive proceeds from the related fines. This may also create a negative fiscal impact to those entities relating to administration of enforcement.”
HB 189 has been routed through several committees, beginning with the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, which is scheduled to take up the measure on November 18.
Previous Attempts Failed to Advance
Earlier this year, Rep. John Snyder introduced HB 1467 to criminalize bribery and insider betting. Sen. Corey Simon proposed SB 1404 with similar measures. Both bills stalled. HB 189 also proposes allowing certain daily fantasy sports contests, adding another layer to Florida’s regulatory debate.
Scandals in MLB and NBA Add Pressure
The renewed legislative push coincides with mounting concerns over integrity in professional sports. Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers—Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz—were recently charged with wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege the players cooperated with co-conspirators for two years to manipulate pitch outcomes and enable illicit wagering. Authorities say the conspirators placed more than 100 bets tied to the scheme, generating over $300,000 in winnings.
MLB responded by directing its authorized operators to halt pitch-level wagers exceeding $200 across all regulated U.S. markets.
The NBA has also faced turmoil. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones were indicted in connection with separate illegal gambling allegations. Billups was arrested for his alleged participation in a Mafia-backed poker ring, while Rozier is accused of sharing insider information and influencing his own performance.
A Broader Overhaul Still in Motion
Although HB 189 focuses heavily on insider betting, the full package spans nearly 100 pages and touches on a wide range of gambling issues, including fantasy contests and regulatory oversight. Whether the bill can succeed where earlier attempts did not remains to be seen, but its swift scheduling signals stronger legislative momentum than in previous sessions.
Source:
“Florida reconsiders making gambling with insider info a felony”, sbcamericas.com, November 12, 2025
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