Florida Gambling Reform Bill Signals Tougher Stance on Illegal Gaming
A sweeping gambling reform bill filed by Jacksonville Republican Senator Clay Yarborough on January 6 would reshape Florida’s regulatory and criminal approach to gaming while removing several diversity-related statutory provisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Introduces major changes to Florida’s gaming regulation
- Eliminates diversity and minority vendor considerations
- Significantly increases penalties for illegal gambling activities
SB 1164 would strip language requiring the Florida Gaming Control Commission to select “appointees who reflect Florida’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.” It would also eliminate statutory consideration of “minority vendors” and “minority residents” in slot license distribution, along with related reporting requirements.
Gambling Reform Bill Redraws Florida’s Gaming Rulebook
The measure also centralizes enforcement by reverting regulation of illegal gambling to the state, preempting local ordinances, per Florida Politics. This push to consolidate state control over gambling enforcement follows recent legislative changes that narrowed public disclosure requirements for Florida’s gaming regulators.
The proposal increases criminal penalties across a broad range of activities: fixing games, operating or promoting illegal online gambling outside the Seminole Tribe compact, advertising illicit gambling, and trafficking illegal slot machines.
Penalties include:
- Third-degree felonies for rigged cardrooms and operators of unlawful online games.
- Escalating misdemeanors and felonies for employees, landlords, and repeat offenders.
- First-degree felony exposure for importing large numbers of slot devices, including proposed fines up to $500,000 for bringing 50 machines or parts into Florida.
The bill would also criminalize transporting or bringing groups to illegal gambling venues, with heightened penalties for minors and seniors.
If enacted, the measure would take effect in October 2026.
