Florida committee advances gambling bill
The proposal would introduce several changes to the state’s gaming regulations.
US.- The Florida House Commerce Committee has passed HB 189, a bill that would impact various aspects of gambling in the state. Sponsored by Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy, the proposal received 18 votes in favour and 5 against.
The bill would introduce several changes to Florida’s gambling regulations, including raising the penalties for operating illegal gambling to a third-degree felony and strengthening the oversight and ethical standards required of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. It also establishes additional criminal offences.
The bill would allow local municipalities to create their own gambling regulations, would legalise fantasy sports contests and would prohibit members of the Florida Gaming Control Commission from accepting certain gambling-related employment for a specified period. The legislation would also remove ownership interest thresholds for changes in ownership of pari-mutuel permits.
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee approved the bill in January after a debate about the impact it could have on veterans organisations that offer slot machines classified as “amusement games.” The bill proposes to provide the organisations with the opportunity to apply for certification from the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
Recently, the Florida House Commerce Committee voted in favour of House Bill 881, a bill that aims to decouple live horse racing from gaming operations in the state. The bill received 15 votes in favour and 9 against. It will now proceed to the House floor. If approved, it will go to the Senate.
