Florida Republican Senator Clay Yarborough has introduced sweeping gambling reform legislation that would significantly expand penalties for illegal gaming operations while removing diversity considerations from gaming regulation.
Key points
Florida State Senator Clay Yarborough has filed a wide-ranging gambling reform bill that would significantly tighten enforcement against illegal gaming activity while also removing diversity-related requirements from the state’s gambling regulatory framework.
Filed as SB 1164, the proposed legislation would apply across multiple forms of gambling, including cardrooms, slot machines, internet gambling, sports wagering and betting on fixed or predetermined contests. If enacted, the bill would take effect in October 2026.
One of the more politically notable aspects of the proposal is the removal of statutory language requiring the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) to consider racial, ethnic and gender diversity when appointing commissioners. The bill would also eliminate requirements for slot machine licensees to prioritise minority vendors or minority hiring, as well as associated reporting obligations.
From an enforcement perspective, SB 1164 introduces harsher penalties for a wide range of gambling-related offences. Betting on sporting or other contests with prearranged outcomes would become a third-degree felony, with similar penalties applied to those involved in fixing cardroom games or manipulating online gambling devices.
Employees, agents and landlords connected to illegal gambling operations would also face escalating criminal charges, including felony offences for repeat violations.
Illegal online gambling conducted outside Florida’s gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe – which currently authorises sports betting via Hard Rock Bet – would be explicitly prohibited. While individual players would face misdemeanour penalties, operators and promoters of illegal internet gambling could be charged with felonies.
The bill also proposes some of the strongest sanctions to date for illegal slot machine trafficking. Bringing more than 15 machines or components into Florida would constitute a first-degree felony, with fines scaling up to $500,000 for shipments involving 50 or more devices.
Additional provisions criminalise the advertising of illegal gambling, restrict the transportation of people for unlawful gaming purposes and centralise regulatory authority at the state level by preventing local governments from adopting alternative gambling ordinances.
The filing follows increased enforcement activity by Florida regulators and growing legislative momentum to strengthen the state’s gambling laws.
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