Lawmakers are ready to make major changes to Florida's gambling laws.
A key development is that Florida's gambling reform bill, called HB 189, is moving to the full House for a vote. This comes after it passed through the Commerce Committee with a strong 18–5 vote.
Sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy of Fort Pierce, this comprehensive bill seeks to overhaul various aspects of Florida's gambling regulations ahead of the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session.
"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," Trabulsy said in a statement on her website. "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," she said.
Sweeping Changes in Florida Gambling Regulations
House Bill 189 has been moved to the Second Reading Calendar in the House, which means it's ready for a vote. The date for the vote hasn't been set yet, but the legislative session ends on March 13, 2026. If the bill passes in both the House and the Senate, it will need the governor's signature before it can become law on October 1, 2026.
The bill aims to make significant changes to Florida's gambling laws, focusing on cracking down on illegal gambling. It suggests tougher punishments for running unauthorized slot machines and raises many gambling-related crimes to third-degree felonies. A key part of HB 189 is its focus on stopping illegal online gambling.
It introduces strict rules and penalties for those involved in Internet gambling and sports betting.
Protecting Sports Integrity and Regulating Fantasy Sports
Another crucial aspect of the reform is the introduction of new felony offenses targeting sports betting corruption.
Trabulsy's new bill aims to stop match-fixing and bribery that attempt to change the results of sports games. This will help keep both pro and amateur sports honest in the state. The bill also addresses concerns about insider information scandals that have affected sports events in the past.
On top of that, House Bill 189 sets rules for fantasy sports games to make sure they don't end up imitating casino games. The bill also introduces penalties for breaking these rules to keep things fair.
Strengthened Oversight and Community Protection
The bill also strengthens oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission by instituting stricter ethics rules and more transparent reporting requirements. It provides guidelines for handling pari-mutuel permits and maintaining cardroom integrity while setting boundaries for local gaming regulations.
This is happening at the same time Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to make running an illegal gambling operation a felony instead of just a misdemeanor. The outcry followed a report revealing that Florida’s non-tribal casinos reported a significant increase in slot machine revenue.
Although two similar bills that also addressed sweepstakes casinos were paused last year, it appears HB 189 has some momentum.
While the bill enjoys support for its potential to protect families and empower lawful gambling entities—most notably the Seminole Tribe’s monopoly on sports betting and casino activities—it has encountered opposition from some Democrats during committee votes. Despite this, HB 189 proceeded with solid backing, signaling strong bipartisan interest in updating the state's gambling framework.
As Florida grapples with issues such as illegal "slot rooms" and the rise of online wagering, HB 189 represents a significant legislative effort to modernize enforcement and clarify legal ambiguities.
