One lawmaker is taking a big step to stamp out illegal gambling.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to make running an illegal gambling operation a felony instead of just a misdemeanor. He believes that current penalties are too weak and allow operators to earn big profits with little consequence.
Uthmeier argues that it's like giving them just a “slap on the wrist” and doesn’t do much to stop illegal gambling operations. He also points out that these illegal activities are often connected to more serious crimes, like money laundering and racketeering, making this a bigger issue for public safety.
The outcry comes on the heels of a report that found Florida’s non-tribal casinos recently reported a big increase in slot machine revenue.
Why Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier Wants to Change the Law
Right now, if you run an illegal gambling house in Florida, you might only face misdemeanor charges. But Attorney General Uthmeier and some lawmakers think this isn't enough to stop people from setting up these gambling operations.
The idea is to raise the legal consequences to a felony level, meaning much harsher penalties and longer sentences. This change is meant to send a stronger message that Florida is serious about tackling illegal gambling, which could greatly impact the operators who earn millions by skirting the law.
Florida lawmakers are also considering taking steps to wipe out sweepstakes casinos in The Sunshine State.
What Is Uthmeier Proposing?
In 2025, Florida lawmakers have several bills that align with what Uthmeier is pushing for.
For instance, House Bill 1467 would make the first offense of running an illegal gambling house a third-degree felony. The penalties would become increasingly severe for repeat offenders or employees who help with illegal operations.
Another bill, HB 1017, looks at the wider scope by increasing penalties for various types of illegal gambling, including manufacturing and trafficking illegal slot machines. The legislation would introduce hefty fines and stricter bail rules linked to gambling-related crimes.
Who's Affected By The Illegal Gambling Law in Florida?
The primary targets of these proposals are unlicensed game rooms and "arcades" that use slot-style games, which pay out cash but are not regulated like Florida's tribal or pari-mutuel gambling sites.
Estimates suggest there could be over 1,000 illegal gambling operations in Florida. Uthmeier, lawmakers, and supporters believe that making these operations felonies could help shut them down.
However, some groups, such as those involved with amusement venues and veterans' organizations, are worried that the laws might also affect charitable events if not carefully defined.
The Bigger Picture
These proposed changes are part of a broader effort to tighten the rules around gambling in Florida while maintaining the state's agreements with the Seminole Tribe, which runs legal gambling operations.
Florida's strategy would severely restrict illegal gambling, using the threat of felony charges and increased fines to make the risks too high compared to the potential rewards for those involved in unlawful gaming.
Shifting illegal gambling from a misdemeanor to a felony in Florida is part of a comprehensive approach to combat these operations. By making it riskier for illegal operators, lawmakers hope to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of legal gambling in the state.
