Florida Senator Proposes Major Shift in Gambling Laws and Removes Diversity Rules
Florida Senator Proposes Comprehensive Changes to Gambling Oversight
A Florida legislator is pushing for significant reforms in the state’s gambling regulations. Senator Clay Yarborough introduced a bill for the 2026 legislative session aiming to enhance the state’s control over gaming operations, crack down more effectively on illegal gambling, and eliminate diversity and inclusion mandates from state gambling laws.
Elimination of Diversity Rules in Gambling Regulations
The legislation, known as SB 1164, seeks to remove language requiring the Florida Gaming Control Commission to consider factors such as race, ethnicity, and gender when selecting members. It also aims to discontinue minority-focused requirements for slot machine license holders, including preferences for minority contractors and the need for reporting on workforce diversity efforts. This move aligns with a broader push by state officials to roll back diversity obligations across several agencies.
Tougher Measures Against Illegal Gambling Activities
Beyond altering diversity policies, the bill targets illegal gambling in Florida. Current laws impose only light penalties on those operating unlicensed slot machines, often found in venues styled as “arcades” that attract older adults. Law enforcement and state officials have expressed concern that these minimal punishments fail to deter illegal operators, allowing unregulated gambling to flourish with little consequence.
Enhanced Penalties for Unauthorized Gambling Operations
Under SB 1164, operating an unlicensed gambling business would be classified as a third-degree felony for the person in control. Employees working at these illegal establishments would also face escalating penalties starting from a first-degree misdemeanor for initial offenses to a second-degree felony for repeated violations.
Accountability for Property Owners Renting to Illegal Gambling Businesses
The proposed law extends liability to property owners who lease spaces to illegal gambling operations. A first violation would be a third-degree felony, with harsher felony charges for repeated offenses.
Crackdown on Illegal Online and Fixed-Contest Gambling
SB 1164 also increases enforcement against unlawful online gambling and fixed-contest betting outside of Florida’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe. Individuals betting online could face misdemeanor charges, while organizers and promoters of these operations might be charged with felonies. Additionally, anyone caught cheating in cardroom games or manipulating online games using cards, dice, numbers, or similar methods could face third-degree felony charges.
Stricter Controls on Slot Machine Importation
A major component of the bill focuses on the importation of slot machines. Bringing more than 15 machines or their parts into Florida would result in a first-degree felony. Fines would escalate significantly depending on the quantity, peaking at $500,000 for importing 50 or more devices.
Penalties for Transporting Groups for Illegal Gambling
The law would also criminalize transporting groups into Florida for illegal gambling purposes. Smaller groups would incur lesser penalties, but offenses involving large numbers, especially those including elderly individuals or minors, would be subject to more severe charges. If approved, these measures are set to take effect in October.
