A new legislative proposal filed for the 2026 Florida House session aims to drastically overhaul the state’s enforcement mechanisms regarding illegal gambling. Filed on December 2, HB 591 introduces a comprehensive set of criminal offenses and creates stricter penalties for various gambling-related activities, specifically targeting the gray market and unauthorized operators.
The 86-page bill is positioned as a necessary modernization of Florida‘s statutes to address contemporary issues such as internet gambling and the trafficking of gaming machines.
While the bill preserves exemptions for gaming activities authorized under tribal-state compacts, it seeks to eradicate unlicensed operations. A significant portion of the legislation is dedicated to defining internet gambling and sports wagering within the state statutes.
Under the proposed rules, participating in these unauthorized digital activities would constitute a misdemeanor for players, while operators or promoters would face felony charges. This reflects a legislative intent to close existing loopholes surrounding the growing online wagering sector.
The bill also imposes severe consequences for physical operations. Maintaining a gambling house would be reclassified as a third-degree felony, with property owners facing escalating felony charges for knowingly renting space to illicit gaming operations.
Furthermore, the legislation establishes a first-degree felony offense for the trafficking of more than 15 gaming machines or related parts, accompanied by mandatory fines ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Authorities argue that establishing clear thresholds for prosecution will help curb the proliferation of unlicensed machine markets.
Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for making misleading statements regarding the legality of gaming machines during sale or distribution and bans advertising that facilitates illegal gambling. If passed, HB 591 would take effect on October 1, 2026, integrating these new offenses into Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code and RICO provisions.
