Sweepstakes Gaming Survives Legislative Session in Florida
Sweepstakes gaming is in the clear in Florida after a pair of bills that would have imposed stricter regulations failed to advance in the legislature.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:With the legislative session over, several proposed gambling bills are now dormant for the year. These include HB 1467 and SB 1404, which would have criminalized sweepstakes gaming and increased government oversight.
Additionally, HB 1467, proposed by Rep. John Synder, would have introduced stricter penalties for illegal gambling operations and advertising, potentially classifying certain offenses as felonies. It would have also established a regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports. The bill shares similar provisions with SB 1404, sponsored by Corey Simon.
Both proposals defined internet gambling as online casino-style games in which "other thing of value" or money is awarded based on chance, regardless of skill level. While they did not explicitly mention sweepstakes gaming, the bill's broad language could have been interpreted to include online sweepstakes casinos.
The measures also include other provisions, such as imposing felony charges on athletes or insiders who accept bribes to give information or intentionally underperform.
The bills would have also prohibited former Florida Gaming Control Commission employees from taking gaming industry jobs within two years of leaving their commission role.
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HB1467 cleared the House and was sent to the Senate Rules Committee on April 28. However, it didn't receive a hearing before the session concluded. SB 1404 was referred to multiple committees but didn't reach the Senate floor.
While Florida lawmakers voted to reconvene on May 13 and extend the session until June 6, the narrow agenda excludes gambling from the topics to be discussed.
In its response to the development, the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) applauded lawmakers for not passing the bills. The group strongly criticized the proposals, stating that H1467 and S1404 would have unfairly targeted free-to-play games, unnecessarily expanded government control over the activity, and stifled innovation.
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