Lawmakers in Florida have introduced two bills that could change the state’s gambling laws, particularly affecting online gaming and sports betting. The proposed legislation would extend the state’s ban to include sweepstakes casinos, internet casino gaming, and online sports betting not covered under the Seminole Tribe’s existing agreement with the state.
Representative Walter Barnaby filed HB953 on February 24, while Senator Corey Simon introduced the companion bill, S1404, two days later. Both aim to clarify and expand the definition of “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering,” potentially targeting platforms that offer casino-style games online.
The wording in these bills leaves some room for interpretation, raising questions about whether they serve to block sweepstakes casinos or pave the way for the Seminole Tribe to expand its online gaming operations.
The Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact, signed in 2021, allows Hard Rock to operate mobile sports betting in Florida, a market it entered in December 2023. That agreement guarantees the state at least $500 million annually and has withstood multiple legal challenges. While the compact currently does not cover online casino gaming, there were earlier discussions about including it, and some lawmakers believe negotiations for an amendment could happen in the future.
The bills also introduce penalties for both players and providers of online gambling. Anyone caught participating in unauthorized internet gambling could face a second-degree misdemeanor, while operators, vendors, and payment processors involved in illegal online gaming would be committing a third-degree felony.
With only seven states currently allowing online casino gaming, the Sunshine State could become the largest market in the US if legislation eventually allows Hard Rock to expand its offerings beyond sports betting. Whether these bills will move forward or lead to further negotiations remains to be seen.
