Florida cracks down on illegal sports betting with sweeping new bill
Florida lawmakers are pushing ahead with sweeping changes to the state’s sports betting laws. An updated version of H.B. 189 has passed its first committee review, targeting illegal online sports betting and unauthorised iGaming. The bill also introduces stricter penalties and new rules for fantasy sports and pari-mutuel wagering.
The legislation focuses on cracking down on unauthorised sports betting operations. Under the new rules, running or advertising unlicensed online sports betting would become a felony. Players caught using these services could face misdemeanour charges.
Florida’s current law grants sports betting exclusivity to the Seminole Tribe, meaning Hard Rock Bet remains the only legal operator. The bill reinforces this by making all other sports wagering illegal, with the sole exception of approved pari-mutuel betting. Beyond sports betting, H.B. 189 introduces a regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports. It also updates reporting requirements for pari-mutuel permit holders and clarifies rules for betting on fixed-outcome games. The language is broad enough to potentially cover offshore sportsbooks, unlicensed casino apps, and even federally regulated prediction platforms. Local governments would lose the power to regulate gaming unless specifically allowed by state law. Regulators, however, would gain stronger enforcement tools to combat illegal sports betting activities.
If passed, the bill would mark a significant shift in Florida’s sports betting landscape. Stricter penalties and expanded enforcement powers aim to shut down unauthorised operators. The changes would also formalise rules for fantasy sports while maintaining the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive hold on sports betting.
