Florida lawmakers have introduced a second sweeping anti-gambling bill, signaling a broader push to tighten criminal penalties, target unregulated operators, and consolidate control over the state’s gambling landscape.
The new proposal, HB 591, touches on multiple areas of Florida’s gambling statutes, from slot machine possession to online wagering, illegal gambling facilities, advertising, and even transporting people to gambling venues.
It comes about two weeks after HB 189, another measure that attempts to criminalize non-tribal online and land-based gambling, except for daily fantasy sports.
Together, the two proposals signal that Florida is preparing for a renewed crackdown on unregulated gambling.
