Florida lawmakers propose sweepstakes gambling ban, maintain Seminole Tribe’s exclusive compact

Florida lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at banning sweepstakes gambling, including internet casino games and online sports betting, in a move that would tighten gambling regulations in the state while maintaining the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive gaming rights.  

Two bills, HB 953, introduced by Rep. Webster Barnaby (R-29), and SB 1404, introduced by Sen. Corey Simon (R-3), seek to criminalize sweepstakes gaming operations, with violations carrying a third-degree felony charge. However, the proposed legislation does not affect the Seminole Tribe’s existing sports betting compact, which grants it exclusive control over in-person and online sports wagering in Florida.

The bills define “internet gambling” as any game in which a player can win money or other valuables based on chance, even if skill is involved. This includes games that simulate casino-style experiences, such as slot machines, video poker, and table games, and are accessible on the internet or mobile devices.  

Similarly, “Internet sports wagering” is defined as placing a bet on contests of skill, speed, power, or endurance through online or mobile platforms.  

Under the proposed laws, players engaging in illegal internet gambling could face a second-degree misdemeanor, while operators facilitating such games would be charged with a third-degree felony. Internet sports betting violations would only result in penalties after a second offense.  

The legislation upholds the 30-year compact signed in May 2021 between Florida and the Seminole Tribe, which guarantees the tribe’s exclusive right to offer in-person and online sports betting as well as craps and roulette at its casinos. In return, the Seminole Tribe pays at least $500 million annually to the state.  

The compact, which runs through 2051, has already allowed the tribe’s Hard Rock brand to launch online sports betting in December 2023. Some analysts suggest the broad language of the new bills could leave room for the Seminole Tribe to expand into internet casino gaming in the future.  

Florida’s legislative push aligns with a growing national crackdown on sweepstakes gambling. Other states, including Maryland, Connecticut, and Mississippi, have introduced or passed similar measures targeting online sweepstakes gaming.  

• Mississippi’s Senate recently passed SB 2510 in a 44-1 vote, classifying sweepstakes gambling as a felony with penalties of up to $100,000 in fines or 10 years in prison, forwarding it to the House.  

• Maryland lawmakers introduced SB 860 and HB 1140, which would allow regulators to deny gaming licenses to sweepstakes operators.  

• Connecticut’s SB 1235 seeks to prohibit unlicensed online casino gaming and sports wagering, while also banning lottery ticket resales and courier services.  

Florida lawmakers say the proposed ban is intended to curb unregulated online gambling and protect consumers, though industry experts warn that ambiguities in the legislation could lead to broader interpretations impacting future gaming operations in the state.