Lawmakers in Florida legislature have pre-filed two gambling-related bills that would strictly ban online casino gambling and online sweepstakes casinos.
Ahead of the March 4 start of session, Rep. Walter Barnaby and Sen. Corey Simon pre-filed companion proposals in their respective chambers this week that, if passed, would prohibit what is loosely defined as “internet gambling” in the Sunshine State.
In both bills, “internet gambling” means to “play or engage in any game in which money or other thing of value is awarded based on chance.”
While that certainly applies to online casinos, “other thing of value” could also rope in online sweepstakes casinos.
Florida further defines ‘internet gambling’
As noted, both HB953 and S1404 amend the state’s definition of “internet gambling” to effectively ban iGaming and online sweeps.
Barnaby and Simon emphasize in their bills that “internet gambling” applies to the action of awarding money “or other thing of value … based on chance, regardless of any application of skill” through any games available on the Internet and on mobile devices and computers.
What kind of games? Any game that “simulates casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, video poker, and table games.”
Why these bills would affect future of online sweeps
The vagueness yet specificity of one phrase is potentially problematic for sweeps operators should this legislation pass: “engage in any game in which money or other thing of value is awarded.”
Sweeps casinos use virtual currency that carries no monetary value, frequently referred to as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. While users can’t buy them, they can earn Sweeps Coins and redeem them for real-money prizes.
So …
“Other thing of value.”
Of course, the inclusion of “simulates casino-style gaming” also hurts online sweeps casinos, as operators offer games like slots and blackjack.
If legislation passes, users at any of these sites would commit a second-degree misdemeanor. Operators, meanwhile, could commit a third-degree felony.
Bills also address sports betting in Florida
Sports betting was also addressed in the pair of proposals, which would ban online sports betting outside of the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe.
The Seminoles, of course, runs the sole online sportsbook in Florida, Hard Rock Bet. There is some room for interpretation created by this language, as the tribe could look to integrate online casino gambling through its compact with the state.