Florida legislature withdraws bills targeting sweepstakes casinos and online betting outside tribal compact

Efforts to impose new restrictions on internet-based sweepstakes casinos and online sports betting platforms outside the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact have been shelved in the Florida legislature, with two key bills withdrawn from consideration as the state’s legislative session stretches into June.

Senate Bill 1404, introduced by Senator Corey Simon, had proposed a prohibition on internet gambling and mobile sports betting not covered under the existing compact with Hard Rock. It defined internet gambling broadly, including any online casino-style games of chance played for money or equivalent value, such as slot machines, video poker, or table games. 

The bill also sought to criminalize such activity, classifying violations as third-degree felonies. Despite advancing through two Senate committees, it was not included in the list of eligible legislation during the session extension.

Its companion bill, CS/HB 1467, addressed criminal penalties for unauthorized sports betting platforms and included language to regulate daily fantasy sports, a long-contested gray area in Florida’s gaming landscape. 

It also proposed a lobbying restriction on former members of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, limiting their future roles with fantasy sports or betting companies. While the bill passed through several House subcommittees, it ultimately stalled in the Commerce Committee.

Both pieces of legislation are now considered inactive for the current session, despite lawmakers agreeing to extend proceedings until June 6 to finalize budget negotiations. They could, however, be revived if reintroduced in future legislative cycles.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the bills’ failure. The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), which represents operators of digital entertainment and sweepstakes platforms, issued a statement praising the outcome. “The defeat of these bills continues a clear national trend,” an SPGA spokesperson said, noting similar legislative setbacks in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi in recent weeks.

“This is a huge win, not just for the industry, but for every Floridian who values economic freedom and digital innovation,” the SPGA added. “Once again, a state has seen through the scare tactics and rejected legislation that would have harmed consumers, businesses, and Florida’s economy.”

The group also warned that had the bills passed, they would have “criminalized free-to-play digital entertainment,” citing definitions in the legislation that could have included dual-currency gaming models popular in sweepstakes platforms.