Florida’s House of Representatives has taken another step toward stricter gambling regulation with HB 189, a wide-ranging bill addressing illegal wagering, sweepstakes casinos, and online sports betting. The measure passed the House Commerce Committee 18-5, marking its third successful committee advancement. A full House vote is expected before the legislative session concludes on March 13.
Expanding Penalties and Oversigth
HB 189 proposes significant legal consequences for operators and participants in unauthorized gambling. Those running unlicensed platforms, including internet gaming sites and sweepstakes casinos, could face third-degree felony charges carrying fines up to $5,000 and prison terms of up to five years. Players engaging in illegal gambling may be charged with misdemeanors: first offenses can result in up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines, while repeat violations can bring up to a year of incarceration and fines of $1,000.
The bill also tightens governance standards for the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), including stricter ethics rules, expanded licensing requirements, and new criminal offenses tied to gambling operations. Commission members would face restrictions on employment in gambling-related businesses for a designated period after leaving office, and ownership thresholds for pari-mutuel permits would be eliminated. Fantasy sports contests remain lawful, provided they comply with peer-to-peer structures rather than against-the-house models.
Rep. Dana Trabulsy emphasized protecting state revenue and ensuring fairness. “The Seminole Tribe paid the state of Florida, over the course of five years, $2.5 billion,” she noted. “And when we have illegal activity happening where taxes are not being paid to the state, it’s just an unfair playing field, and it’s unintended.”
Targeting Online and Sweepstakes Operations
HB 189 explicitly covers online and sweepstakes gambling that mimics traditional casino games, including slot machines, video poker, and table games accessible on mobile devices. The FGCC would gain authority to review new locations, enforce felony charges on unlicensed operators, and seize illegal machines. Last year, the commission confiscated 6,725 slot machines and collected nearly $15 million from unlawful gaming activities, more than double the previous year.
The bill defines internet gambling as any game awarding money or other value by chance online. By penalizing both operators and participants, Florida aims to curb unregulated gambling growth while ensuring legal platforms and state-sanctioned operations are not undermined.
Context Within State Gambling Policy
HB 189 fits into a broader legislative push to regulate online wagering. Companion proposals, House Bill 953 and Senate Bill 1404, were introduced in late February to prevent unregulated sweepstakes casinos and internet sports betting outside the Seminole Tribe’s compact. The 2021 compact grants the tribe exclusive Class III gaming rights, including mobile sports betting, guaranteeing the state a minimum $500 million annually. Hard Rock has since offered online sports betting under this framework.
The bill has already cleared subcommittees in November and January and reflects bipartisan support for enhancing oversight, reducing illegal activity, and preserving agreements with the Seminole Tribe. Lawmakers say it balances robust enforcement with respect for existing legal gaming structures.
Source:
“Florida Committee Advances Comprehensive Gambling Bill To House Floor”, yahoo.com, February 10, 2026
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