A House bill would redefine slot machine operations across the state
A House bill aiming to stop illegal gambling operations in Florida has cleared a second committee, but worries remain about unintentional effects and a possible absence of clarity. HB 189 cleared the House Appropriations Committee after discussions demonstrated some possible flaws, including entangling unknowing employees into legal jeopardy.
The bill would increase the penalties for operating an illegal gambling establishment with slot machines, set fines for violations and ban advertising of unlawful betting venues. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Michelle Salzman, says the legislation addresses internet cafes and adult arcades that have “sneakily infiltrated our communities” and aims to terminate “financial lifelines for drug trades and human trafficking.”
Several committee members were apprehensive, including Reps. Patricia Williams, Dan Daley, Christopher Benjamin and Mike Gottlieb. Williams expressed she hopes to come to a compromise so she can back the bill but is currently suspicious of the “unintended consequences.”
Daley also had concerns, notably that the language is “too broad” and would put “too many folks in the net.” Gottlieb said his worries focused on language referring to managers because some locations may have illegal gaming machines that low-level managers aren’t aware of. Benjamin would comment that while someone could defend themselves and beat the charges, a felony arrest could still prove damaging to their lives.
Salzman’s bill would raise the penalty for maintaining a gambling house from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.
Fines gathered under the bill would benefit the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund for use in enforcement actions by the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
A similar bill, SB 1046, is currently in the Senate and has cleared the first of three committees.
