Florida’s anti-sweepstakes bills die despite legislative session extension
Both SB 1404 and HB 1467 have failed to pass, as sweepstakes trade body hails news as “huge win” for the sector
Two bills that would have banned online sweepstakes casinos in Florida have been withdrawn from legislative consideration amid a lack of support.
While Florida’s legislative session will be extended until June 6 – although that extension is purely to sort budget amendments – the implications for SB 1404 and its House counterpart HB 1467 means the progression of both bills has come to an end.
Introduced by Senator Corey Simon, SB 1404 also prohibited wider forms of non-tribal online gambling, and had progressed through two Senate committees before failing to make a list of eligible bills.
Currently, Florida’s only form of online gambling is operated by the Seminole Tribe, which oversees the Hard Rock Digital brand.
The bill’s demise came after the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government opted against advancing a substitute version.
SB 1404 would have ensured sweepstakes operators were unable to offer services to users in the Sunshine State by circumventing state gambling regulation and operating under promotional contests law.
In response to the death of both SB 1404 and HB 1467, the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) heralded the news as a “huge win,” as well as claiming the proposals sought to “recklessly expand government control.”
A spokesperson for the SPGA said: “The defeat of these bills continues a clear national trend. In the past few weeks, similar bills have been rejected in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
“Lawmakers across the country are rejecting these anti-innovation, anti-business efforts that attempt to dictate what games American adults can play on their phones.
“This is a huge win, not just for the industry, but for every Floridian who values economic freedom and digital innovation.
“Once again, a state has seen through the scare tactics and rejected legislation that would have harmed consumers, businesses, and Florida’s economy.”
The SPGA also urged lawmakers across the US to “collaborate with social sweeps stakeholders on smart, balanced regulation.”
Meanwhile, HB 1467 also aimed to make all sports betting activity conducted outside of Hard Rock’s reach a criminal offense, as well as extending the remit of the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) to ensure the authority could oversee the daily fantasy sports (DFS) sector.
Lawmakers who supported the bills argued both were vital in the state’s efforts to offer consumer protection and strengthen the compact with the Seminole Tribe.