In Florida, the House Judiciary Committee passed HB 189, which would increase penalties for illegal gambling from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. It’s now set for a floor vote.
However, veterans groups expressed concerns that the bill’s vague language would lead to unintended consequences and decreased donations to veterans’ charities. A similar bill passed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee despite also facing opposition from veterans groups.
The House bill sponsor, Republican state Rep. Michelle Salzman, said the bill seeks to stop the spread of adult arcades and internet cafes that have “sneakily infiltrated our communities.” She added it would cut off “financial lifelines for drug trades and human trafficking” and would protect consumers against becoming problem gamblers.
At the House committee hearing, American Legion members said the bill would threaten the group’s fundraising and could cause volunteers working at venues where potential illegal machines operate to be subject to arrest. In addition, representatives of the 165,000-member Florida Moose Lodge as well as from Veterans of Foreign Wars said the bill’s language was unclear.
Committee members amended the measure to require a cease-and-desist letter be sent to establishments in violation before any arrests could be made. But veterans still opposed it, claiming legal fees and any news about violations would have negative impacts. The Senate version of the bill, which will next go to the full chamber, does not include the amendment.
In defense of the bill, Salzman noted it includes the word “knowingly” in regard to charges against managers in venues where illegal slots are located.
Previously in a Senate hearing, John Zachem, representing the Amusement Machine Operators of Florida, said, “In Florida, we have ads saying that sports betting is legal is here. That’s great, but is it legal in the entire state? No, it’s legal in certain areas. There’s nuances to it. This bill punishes people for not being aware of the nuances occurring. These nuances are going to punish the little guy.”
