Florida legislators are reviewing a slate of proposals aimed at restricting online gaming that falls outside the Seminole Tribe’s compact with the state. The central measure, House Bill 591, introduced by Rep. Berny Jacques, seeks to impose new criminal penalties and expand the state’s authority over gambling activity conducted through the internet.

HB 591 defines internet gambling as any game in which “money or other thing of value is awarded based on chance, regardless of any application of skill … and simulates casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, video poker and table games.” Operators engaged in those activities could face a third-degree felony, while employees would receive lesser charges on a first offense under the proposal.

Proposed Rules Aim to Consolidate State Control

The bill also directs the state to preempt local governments, preventing cities and counties from setting their own gambling regulations. It extends enforcement tools by raising penalties on repeat violators and addressing gambling houses and individuals who participate in their operation. Lawmakers included additional provisions that cover advertising and the transportation of groups for illegal gaming purposes, according to SBC Americas.

Another section targets bettors who knowingly wager on competitions with manipulated outcomes. According to the measure, “A person who stakes, bets, or wagers any money or other thing of value upon the result of any professional or amateur game, contest, match, race, or sport with knowledge that the results of such professional or amateur game, contest, match, race, or sport are prearranged or predetermined commits a felony of the third degree.”

Although the bill does not explicitly mention sweepstakes, its broad definition of illegal online gambling could apply to sweepstakes-style products that use digital platforms. The text also outlines penalties related to games played partly through the internet that involve cards, dice, numbers, or other gambling tools, including situations where money changes hands through a sale or gift framed as part of the activity.

Sweepstakes Operators Push Back

Organizations representing companies in the sweepstakes sector say the proposal captures products that have long operated legally in the state. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which represents firms offering what it identifies as “Social Plus” games, has been the most vocal in its objections.

“We strongly disagree with the categorization that Social Plus games that utilize sweepstakes promotions have anything in common with illegal offshore gambling operations,” said SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan in a statement. He added, “HB 591 laudably seeks to stop illegal gambling from taking place in the state of Florida but fails to account for how lawful promotional sweepstakes operate in Florida.”

Duncan emphasized that participating companies—including VGW, Modo Casino, and Publishers Clearing House owner ARB Gaming—comply with state consumer protection, banking, and financial transaction laws. The group maintains that it is open to additional regulation but rejects the premise that its products should fall under the bill’s gambling definition.

The debate comes shortly after industry representatives promoted the potential financial upside of regulating sweepstakes in Florida, pointing to an analysis indicating that licensing fees and taxes could generate $70 million for the state.

Other Gambling Proposals Move Forward

HB 591 is not the only gaming legislation on the agenda. Lawmakers are weighing House Bill 189, which would allow paid daily fantasy sports under specific rules and attach criminal penalties to betting on contests known to be manipulated. It also reinforces restrictions on fixed betting, establishing third-degree felony charges for operators that disregard its boundaries.

The legislative effort follows the expansion of the Seminole Tribe’s gaming offerings through its Hard Rock Bet platform. The company recently launched a product centered on data from past auto races, providing a slot-style experience under the tribe’s compact. According to the company, the option is available only to Florida players and falls within the sports-betting parameters set by the agreement with the state.

HB 591 has been assigned to committee as the state prepares for the 2026 legislative session, scheduled to begin in March. Lawmakers are expected to continue debating how broadly the state should define online gambling and the extent of the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive role in the market.