A newly filed Florida House bill for 2026 seeks to significantly expand the state’s gambling enforcement framework, following several high-profile illegal gambling incidents uncovered recently in the state.
The bill, HB 591, was filed on 2 December and introduces new criminal offences, redefining existing statutes and increasing penalties across a wide range of gambling-related activities.
The 86-page proposal reshapes multiple chapters of Florida law.
Legislators position the measure as a comprehensive update to address modern gambling practices, including online activity and slot-machine trafficking.
The bill, similar to other recent efforts like SB 204, exempts gaming authorised under tribal-state compacts and certain authorised facilities, but is designed to make unlicensed or grey-market gambling virtually impossible.
Among the measures it introduces, the bill revises the composition rules for the Florida Gaming Control Commission and updates hiring and procurement requirements for slot-machine licensees.
It also removes several outdated provisions, reflecting a shift toward a more uniform regulatory paradigm.
One key change is the creation of new statutory definitions for internet gambling and internet sports wagering.
The bill prohibits individuals from participating in these activities and establishes misdemeanour penalties for players, along with felony penalties for anyone who operates, promotes, or facilitates such gambling.
Lawmakers in the state appear intent on closing gaps around online wagering, which has grown increasingly widespread and difficult to regulate.
The proposal also amends sections governing traditional gambling offences. Keeping a gambling house would be elevated to a third-degree felony, and agents involved in such operations would face escalating penalties for repeat offences.
Renting property for gambling purposes becomes a third-degree felony for the first violation and a second-degree felony thereafter, reflecting the legislature’s increased onus on property owners who knowingly enable illicit gaming.
Trafficking slots to be a felony
Another major component is the creation of a first-degree felony offence for trafficking more than 15 slot machines or machine parts. Mandatory fines range from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on volume.
Authorities say this aims to counter the proliferation of unlicensed slot-machine markets and to alleviate enforcement challenges by establishing clear thresholds for prosecution.
The bill further criminalises making false or misleading statements about the legality of slot machines when attempting to sell or distribute them.
Offences involving five or more machines are treated as second-degree felonies. Lawmakers also target advertising practices by prohibiting any promotion that facilitates illegal gambling, including Internet-based advertisements.
Additional sections strengthen laws against game manipulation in licensed cardrooms, false personation of Gaming Control Commission personnel, and wagering on sporting events known to be prearranged.
The bill also introduces new offences for transporting groups of people for the purpose of illegal gambling, with heightened penalties when minors or older adults are involved.
Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code is amended accordingly, ranking each new offence within the existing sentencing structure.
Related statutory definitions in the state’s RICO and unlawful-debt provisions are also updated to incorporate the new gambling violations.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect on 1 October 2026.
