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Lawmakers are pushing to have House Bill 189 on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' desk by the end of this year's legislative period March 13. The bill seeks to impose stiffer penalties on illegal gambling operators popping up across the state.
“It also brings in human trafficking and drugs, prostitution, and all kinds of other problems for these communities,” said State Rep. Jason Shoaf, R- Port St. Joe.
“What we’re finding is that a lot of these bad actors are getting closed down only to open up a few doors down or a few streets away under a misdemeanor penalty. So, this will create a third-degree felony,” said State Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce.
Trabulsy filed House Bill 189.
"I filed this bill because Floridians deserve a gambling regulatory framework that protects families, supports lawful industry growth, and preserves the integrity of our communities. For too long, our laws have lagged behind the realities of modern gaming. From online wagering to fantasy sports, we have left gaps that bad actors exploit, and law enforcement struggles to close. This bill modernizes those laws, clarifies definitions, and fortifies enforcement so that illegal gambling doesn’t undercut lawful businesses, harm vulnerable populations, or threaten the integrity of athletic contests.
"This bill strengthens penalties for illegal gambling and related advertising, ensuring that serious violations carry serious consequences. It establishes clear standards for emerging gaming activities like fantasy sports, gives regulators better tools to oversee and report on gaming operations, and closes loopholes that jeopardize public safety.
"This bill isn’t about picking winners or losers. It’s about responsible governance. By updating our statutes, reinforcing oversight, and preempting inconsistent local rules, we create certainty for operators, fairness for Floridians, and protections for the most vulnerable."
The raids and arrests of illegal gambling venues have been well publicized in Florida media and on websites covering the sector like Gambling911.com over the past year.
28 were arrested and 48 machines seized as part of a Polk County gambling investigation back in September (pictured above).
Back in June, Marcos Lopez, 56, was arrested and charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, both first-degree felonies, in connection with what prosecutors called a "massive" illegal gambling operation in Central Florida, including Lake and Osceola counties.
What made this case a nationwide story is that Lopez was first elected to serve as the sheriff of Osceola County in 2020. He is alleged to have taken campaign contributions and personal payments from the operation before going on to play a "multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement".
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier vows to go after illegal gambling operators but admits current laws need to be stiffened.
"This year, we have taken down several illegal gambling operations totaling millions of dollars," Uthmeier said. "I’ve encouraged the Legislature to raise the penalty for such dangerous operations, often combined with trafficking and laundering, from a misdemeanor to felony. Let’s hold criminals accountable!"
Democrats continue to vote down the gambling bill, which made it out of committee on Tuesday, saying that, as in committees past, they fear it could negatively impact groups like American Legions and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations.
A similar bill is moving through the Senate. It also passed through committee on Tuesday.
Florida has also gone on the offensive against offshore gambling operators, sweepstakes casinos and daily fantasy sports sites.
In early 2025, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) issued cease-and-desist letters to offshore online gambling sites.
Florida regulators have issued cease-and-desist letters to fantasy sports platforms as well while the AG taken things even further with sweepstakes operators by issuing subpoenas.
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com
