Florida Legislature Moves to Ban Sweepstakes Casinos and Expand iGaming
Legislation introduced in the Florida legislature this week aims to broaden the state’s restrictions on gambling. If passed, the proposed bills would prohibit
sweepstakes casinos, internet casino gaming, and online sports betting outside of the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive compact.
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Proposed Bills Target Internet Gambling and Sports Betting
On February 24, Representative Walter Barnaby introduced House Bill 953 (HB953), while Senator Corey Simon filed the companion Senate Bill 1404 (S1404) on February 26. The language in these bills extends the current gambling ban to include “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering.” As written, the bills leave room for interpretation, one possible implication is that the Seminole Tribe may be seeking to expand into
online casino
gaming through Hard Rock. Another potential outcome is a sweeping prohibition of sweepstakes casinos in Florida.
In 2021, Hard Rock expanded its casino offerings under a 30-year compact with the state, allowing it to operate Class III gaming, including mobile sports betting. The agreement, valued at a minimum of $500 million annually, successfully overcame multiple legal challenges at both state and federal levels. Hard Rock has been providing online sports betting in Florida since December 2023.
Definition of ‘Internet Gambling’ Under the Bills
The proposed legislation defines “internet gambling” as follows:
“…engaging in any game where money or something of value is awarded based on chance, regardless of any element of skill. The game must be available on the Internet and accessible via a mobile device, computer terminal, or similar access device and must simulate casino-style gaming, including but not limited to slot machines, video poker, and table games.”
The phrase “simulates casino-style gaming” appears to specifically target sweepstakes casinos, which offer free-to-play games with the possibility of redeeming rewards for real money.
Definition of ‘Internet Sports Wagering’
The bills provide a more straightforward definition for internet sports betting, as it is already in operation within the state. According to the proposed legislation, internet sports wagering is defined as:
“…staking, betting, or wagering money or any item of value on the outcome of a trial or contest involving skill, speed, power, or endurance of a human or animal, accessible via the Internet on a mobile device, computer terminal, or similar access device.”
The bills also outline penalties for both participants and operators of such gambling activities. Engaging in internet gambling in Florida would be classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. However, in the case of internet sports betting, a second offense is required to reach this threshold.
Implications for Florida’s Gambling Landscape
If these bills pass, they could significantly reshape Florida’s gambling industry by effectively banning sweepstakes casinos and limiting online gaming activities outside of the Seminole Tribe’s jurisdiction. At the same time, the legislation may lay the foundation for further expansion of Hard Rock’s online casino offerings under the existing compact.
