Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling on the Legislature to increase penalties for illegal gambling operations from a misdemeanor to a felony, saying the punishment wasn’t sending the “right message” in stopping illegal acts in the state.
“Right now, people can stand to make millions off of unlawful gambling operations and just end up with a slap on the wrist, a misdemeanor,” Uthmeier said. “This is not sending the right message, and it is not enough of a deterrent to stop this illegal behavior.”
Uthmeier noted the crime could lead to other criminal behavior, including money laundering and racketeering.
