Florida lawmakers are looking at a big change to the state’s gambling laws with a new bill called HB 591. Filed on 2 December, the 86 page plan brings in new criminal offences, updates old rules and increases penalties for many gambling activities. The aim is to modernise the law and tackle issues like online gambling and slot machine trafficking.

The bill is similar to an earlier proposal, SB 204. It keeps tribal gaming and some approved facilities protected, but tries to make unlicensed or grey market gambling much harder to run. Lawmakers say the state needs to close loopholes that allow illegal gambling to continue as technology evolves.

New Definitions for Online Gambling and Tougher Penalties

One major change in the bill is the creation of new definitions for internet gambling and internet sports betting. Under the plan, regular players who gamble online would face misdemeanour penalties, while anyone who runs, promotes or supports illegal online gambling would face felony charges. The bill also clears out old rules and updates how the Florida Gaming Control Commission is organised.

It also changes hiring and procurement rules for slot machine licensees to make regulations more consistent across the state. Lawmakers say these updates are needed because online betting has grown quickly and is now harder to control under the state’s outdated laws.

Stronger Measures Against Illegal Slot Machines

One major change in the bill is the creation of new definitions for internet gambling and internet sports betting. Under the plan, regular players who gamble online would face misdemeanour penalties, while anyone who runs, promotes or supports illegal online gambling would face felony charges. The bill also clears out old rules and updates how the Florida Gaming Control Commission is organised.

It also changes hiring and procurement rules for slot machine licensees to make regulations more consistent across the state. Lawmakers say these updates are needed because online betting has grown quickly and is now harder to control under the state’s outdated laws.

Expanded Criminal Rules and Updated Enforcement

The bill also updates several older gambling offences. Running a gambling house would become a third degree felony, and agents involved in these operations would face tougher penalties if they repeat the offence. Renting out property for illegal gambling would be taken more seriously too, starting as a third degree felony and becoming a second degree felony for later violations.

The proposal also strengthens rules around cardroom cheating, pretending to be a Gaming Control Commission officer and betting on sports events that are fixed. It adds penalties for transporting groups of people for illegal gambling, with even harsher consequences when minors or older adults are involved. If approved, the new laws would take effect on 1 October 2026.