- Two new Florida bills have been introduced to ban sweepstakes gambling in the state
- The bills ban sweepstakes sports betting and casino games
- The bans will not affect the Seminole Tribes sports betting compact with the state
Another state is eyeing a complete ban of sweepstakes gambling, including casino style games and sports betting, as more state lawmakers are targeting the form of gaming.
Companion bills have been introduced in both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate to ban “internet gambling” and “internet sports betting,” targeting sweepstakes gaming companies in the state.
If approved, the legislation will make both a third-degree felony. It will not affect the Seminole Tribe’s ability to offer Florida sports betting, however.
Lawmakers Taking Aim at Florida Sweepstakes
Rep. Webster Barnaby (R-29) introduced HB 953, while Sen. Corey Simon (R-3) introduced companion bill SB 1404, both to prohibit “internet gambling” and “internet sports betting” to effectively ban sweepstakes gaming in Florida.
The bills will not affect the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact with Florida. The 30-year gaming compact between the tribe and state grants exclusive in person and online sports betting to the Seminole Tribe, as well as the right to offer craps and roulette at its casinos. In exchange, the Seminole Tribe makes annual payments of at least $500 million a year to the state.
The gaming compact runs through 2051 and will likely allow the tribe to legalize iGaming through the same process it legalized online sports betting.
The new legislation defines “internet gambling” as playing or engaging in “any game in which money or other thing of value is awarded based on chance, regardless of any application of skill, that is available on the Internet and accessible on a mobile device, computer terminal, or other similar access device and simulates casino-style gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, video poker, and table games.”
The bill also prohibits sweepstakes gaming companies from offering sports betting games as well.
Anyone found offering or hosting the banned forms of gambling will face a potential third-degree felony charge, according to the bill.
Florida Joins States To Explore Sweepstakes Ban
Florida is just the latest state to evaluate banning sweepstakes gambling.
Maryland, Connecticut, and Mississippi lawmakers have all introduced legislation this year to ban the new type of gambling.
The Mississippi Senate approved a bill banning sweepstakes earlier this month, forwarding SB 2510 to the House by a 44-1 vote. Sen. Joey Fillingane’s (R-41) legislation places online sweepstakes games and sweepstakes casinos on the state’s prohibited games list.
The legislation will raise the potential penalty for sweepstakes operators from a misdemeanor to a felony, with each violation potentially resulting in a fine of no more than $100,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Two companion bills in Maryland were introduced this month in the Senate and House of Representatives to ban online sweepstakes games. Sen. Paul D. Corderman (R-2) introduced SB 860 and Delegate Eric Ebersole (D-44A) introduced HB 1140 as companion bills to ban the form of gaming.
In addition to banning online sweepstakes gaming, the bills will allow the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to deny any individual or operator a gaming license or to continue to operate in the state if they accept revenue that is directly or indirectly connected to sweepstakes gaming.
In Connecticut, the Connecticut General Law Committee introduced SB 1235, which prohibits unlicensed participation “in certain real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.”
The bill also prohibits lottery ticket resales and ticket courier services.
Florida lawmakers are currently considering a ban on sweepstakes gambling, a controversial form of gaming that has been on the rise in recent years. Sweepstakes gambling involves customers purchasing products or services in order to receive entries into a drawing for cash prizes or other rewards.
Proponents of the ban argue that sweepstakes gambling preys on vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals and seniors, who may be more susceptible to the allure of potentially winning large sums of money. They also raise concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight in the industry, which can lead to fraudulent practices and unfair competition.
Opponents of the ban, on the other hand, argue that sweepstakes gambling provides a source of entertainment and revenue for businesses, particularly small businesses that may rely on these promotions to attract customers. They also point out that sweepstakes gambling is legal in many other states and has not been shown to have a significant negative impact on society.
The debate over whether to ban sweepstakes gambling in Florida is likely to continue as lawmakers weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a decision. In the meantime, consumers should be cautious when participating in sweepstakes promotions and be aware of the risks associated with this form of gaming.
