Florida lawmakers have introduced House Bill 591 (HB 591), aiming to criminalize all internet gambling and sports betting not offered under the Seminole Tribe’s state gaming compact. The measure defines online gambling as any game awarding “money or other thing of value…based on chance,” including slot machines, video poker, and table games.
HB 591 positions operators of unapproved online gambling as committing a third-degree felony, while the Seminole Tribe’s offerings remain exempt. The bill represents the latest effort by state legislators to assert control over the rapidly expanding online and gray-market gambling ecosystem, following earlier proposals in 2025 that did not pass.
Broader Enforcement and Penalty Increases
The 86-page legislation covers far more than online wagering. Key provisions include:
- Expanded felony penalties for conducting, promoting, or operating unauthorized internet gambling.
- Criminalization of gambling-related advertising across all mediums.
- A first-degree felony for trafficking 15 or more slot machines, with fines reaching $500,000.
- Reclassification of traditional offenses, including running a gambling house or renting property for gambling purposes.
- Penalties for transporting groups to illegal gambling sites, particularly when minors, seniors, or large groups are involved.
- Statewide preemption to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting conflicting gambling regulations.
- Bail provisions tied to seized currency, with large sums treated as indicators of criminal activity.
HB 591 is seen as a complement to HB 189, which earlier focused on illegal machine parlors but was amended to include online gambling restrictions, while explicitly exempting daily fantasy sports and Seminole-compact gaming. Together, these bills signal a comprehensive attempt to modernize Florida’s gambling laws and eliminate unregulated operations.
Sweepstakes and Social Gaming Concerns
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), representing sweepstakes-style and “Social Plus” operators, expressed strong opposition to HB 591. Executive Director Jeff Duncan stated, “We strongly disagree with the categorization that Social Plus games that utilize sweepstakes promotions have anything in common with illegal offshore gambling operations.”
SGLA emphasized that its partner companies, including VGW, Modo Casino, and ARB Gaming, operate fully within Florida’s sweepstakes, consumer protection, and financial laws. The trade group argues that the bill could unintentionally penalize lawful operators and push legitimate businesses out of the state. SGLA also projects more than $1 billion in annual player purchases and estimates the state could collect over $70 million in taxes if sweepstakes-style gaming were regulated.
Tribal Gaming Innovations and Market Impact
Since Florida’s previous legislative attempts, the Seminole Tribe has expanded its offerings through the Hard Rock Bet platform, introducing a new “Games” vertical. This feature mimics slot-style experiences using past racing data rather than random number generators, maintaining compliance with the tribe’s gaming compact. The Seminole’s move highlights the growing divide between tribal-sanctioned operations and non-tribal operators now targeted by HB 591.
Political and Regulatory Momentum
Support for stronger penalties has grown across Florida’s political and regulatory landscape. The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has recommended stricter enforcement, citing the risks posed by gray-market operators. Attorney General James Uthmeier also publicly endorsed tighter restrictions, highlighting concerns about unregulated gaming parlors, match-fixing, and consumer protection gaps in online casinos.
Florida’s 2026 legislative session begins in March, with HB 591 and its companion Senate measure expected to undergo committee review.
Source:
“Florida bill seeks to ban all non-Seminole gaming in 2026”, sbcamericas.com. December 4, 2025
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