Florida legislature makes move that could result in sweepstakes ban, lay icasino groundwork
Recent developments in the Florida legislature have the potential to redefine the landscape of gambling in the state. Two newly proposed bills, HB953 and S1404, could effectively expand the state’s ban on various forms of online gambling, including sweepstakes casinos, internet casino gaming, and unauthorized online sports betting outside of its existing compact with the Seminole Tribe.
Filed by Representative Walter Barnaby on February 24 and Senator Corey Simon on February 26, these companion bills encompass provisions that would classify “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering” under restrictive definitions. Notably, the ambiguity in the language of the bills opens the door for interpretations that could impact the Seminole Tribe’s aspirations to expand into online casino gaming through its Hard Rock brand, as well as impose stringent regulations on sweepstakes casinos.
It is vital to understand that Hard Rock made significant strides in its gaming offerings through a comprehensive 30-year compact with Florida, inked in May 2021, which is valued at a minimum of $500 million annually. This partnership, which includes mobile sports betting, has endured various legal challenges at both state and federal levels and represents a cornerstone of Florida’s gambling infrastructure. Since December 2023, Hard Rock has also been actively offering online sports betting, playing a pivotal role in the state’s gambling evolution.
Definition of ‘Internet Gambling’
The legislative bills present a specific framework for defining “internet gambling.” According to the proposed legislation, it is described as:
“…the act of participating in any game involving money or other valuable consideration based on chance, regardless of skill application, accessible via the Internet through mobile devices, computer terminals, or similar access devices, and simulating casino-style gaming, which includes, but is not limited to, slot machines, video poker, and table games.”
A critical component of this definition is the phrase “simulates casino-style gaming,” which appears to pose a direct challenge to the operation of sweepstakes casinos. These platforms typically allow players to engage in free-to-play casino gaming with the possibility of receiving rewards that can lead to actual payouts, thereby blurring the lines of legality under the proposed legislative framework.
Definition of ‘Internet Sports Wagering’
In contrast, the definition for internet sports wagering outlined in the bills is clearer, as it builds upon existing practices. Barnaby and Simon characterize it as:
“…the act of staking, betting, or wagering any money or valuable consideration on the outcome of any trial or contest of skill, speed, power, or endurance of human or animal, available through the Internet on mobile devices, computer terminals, or similar access devices.”
It is important to note that engaging in internet gambling in Florida has legal consequences; players face a second-degree misdemeanor charge for participating. Interestingly, the threshold for legal repercussions in internet sports betting requires the occurrence of two offenses before penalties escalate.
The implications of these legislative moves are profound for both industry stakeholders and players alike. As Florida navigates its gambling regulations, the balance between legal expansion and regulatory restrictions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of online gambling in the state.
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