A final House vote has not yet been scheduled, but the bill is advancing quickly
A wide-ranging gambling bill is heading to the Florida House floor after clearing its third committee stop. HB 189 advanced yesterday through the Commerce Committee on an 18-5 vote. Lawmakers must act soon, with the legislative session set to end on March 13.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy of Fort Pierce, targets illegal gambling operations and sports betting corruption. It would raise certain violations to third-degree felonies and create new criminal offenses tied to unlawful gaming activity.
The bill also increases oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. It adds stricter ethics rules and would block commission members from taking certain gambling-related jobs for a period after leaving office. Licensing standards and ownership disclosures would be tightened as well.
One revision allows local governments to pass their own gambling-related ordinances. The measure also formally legalizes fantasy sports contests in the Sunshine State. Another provision removes ownership thresholds tied to changes in pari-mutuel permits.
Supporters argue the bill protects the state’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The 2021 compact grants the tribe control over sports betting and certain casino-style gaming in exchange for billions in revenue sharing. Trabulsy said illegal operations create an uneven market and reduce funds owed to the state.
Earlier committee discussions focused on how the bill could affect veterans groups that operate what they describe as amusement machines. The legislation would allow those organizations to seek certification from the Gaming Control Commission.
