Two new bills introduced in the Florida legislature this week seek to broaden the state’s existing restrictions on gambling. If passed, the legislation would extend the prohibition to include sweepstakes casinos, online casino gaming, and internet sports betting outside the regulatory framework of the Seminole Tribe’s compact with the state.
Legislative Proposals Targeting Online Gambling Expansion
Representative Walter Barnaby filed House Bill 953 on February 24, followed by Senator Corey Simon introducing Senate Bill 1404 on February 26. These companion bills introduce an expanded definition of “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering,” leaving some room for interpretation regarding the Seminole Tribe’s potential ambitions for online casino gaming through Hard Rock. Another reading suggests that the bills are primarily aimed at prohibiting sweepstakes casinos from operating in the state.
The Seminole Tribe secured exclusive rights to Class III gaming in Florida—including mobile sports betting—through a 30-year compact signed in May 2021, which guarantees the state at least $500 million in annual revenue. This agreement has withstood multiple legal challenges at both state and federal levels, and Hard Rock began offering online sports betting under this framework in December 2023.
Defining ‘Internet Gambling’ and Its Impact
Both bills redefine “internet gambling” with an amended description:
‘’…means to play or engage in any game in which money or other thing of value is awarded based on chance, regardless of any application of skill, that is available on the Internet and accessible on a mobile device, computer terminal, or other similar access device and simulates casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, video poker, and table games.’’
The phrase "simulates casino-style gaming" appears to directly challenge sweepstakes casinos, which allow players to engage in free-to-play games that can yield cash payouts. If the legislation is enacted, such operations may be forced to shut down or restructure their offerings to comply with state law.
Internet Sports Wagering Restrictions and Legal Consequences
The bills also provide a clear definition of internet sports betting, specifying that it:
“means to stake, bet, or wager any money or other thing of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed, power, or endurance of human or beast that is available in the Internet and accessible on a mobile device, computer terminal, or other similar access device.”
Penalties for violating these prohibitions differ between players and operators. Individuals who participate in internet gambling within Florida’s borders could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, while those engaged in unauthorized internet sports betting must commit two offenses before reaching that threshold. Operators, suppliers, vendors, and payment processors involved in offering such services without authorization would be subject to third-degree felony charges.
Potential Implications for Hard Rock and iGaming
The proposed legislation coincides with recent enforcement actions by the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which has issued cease-and-desist orders to offshore casino operators. Some industry observers believe these measures could be paving the way for Hard Rock to extend its monopoly beyond sports betting and into online casino gaming.
Initially, the 2021 compact included provisions allowing the Seminole Tribe to negotiate amendments to introduce online gaming beyond sports betting. While these provisions were later removed, the political landscape has since shifted. Some lawmakers who opposed online casino expansion are no longer in office, raising the possibility of renewed discussions between the tribe and state officials regarding iGaming.
If Hard Rock secures authorization for internet casino gaming, Florida could emerge as one of the largest iGaming markets in the United States. Currently, only seven states permit legal online casino gaming, with Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania leading the market in revenue generation.
Source:
‘’Florida legislature makes move that could result in sweepstakes ban, lay icasino groundwork’’, igamingbusiness.com, February 27, 2025.
