Florida lawmakers filed House Bill 591 on 2 December, proposing changes to gambling laws across the state. The bill would create offences for internet gambling and slot-machine trafficking, raise penalties for several activities and revise rules for the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
Operators and property owners could face new criminal offences and higher penalties if the proposal becomes law.
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Florida's Gaming Control Commission marked its fourth anniversary in July 2026, reporting nearly 11,000 illegal slot machines seized and more than $23 million in illegal gambling proceeds since its formation. The commission said it closed 184 illegal gambling arcades and made 177 arrests in the past year, while its pari-mutuel division collected more than $3 billion over four years.
Florida's non-tribal casinos generated $60.7m in slots revenue in May, down 3% year on year, according to Florida Gaming Control Commission figures. Magic City Casino had the highest monthly revenue at $12.9m, down 5.3%, while three of the state's eight casinos recorded annual increases.
Regulators from Florida, Massachusetts and Nevada described challenges in tackling illegal online gambling at a recent industry panel. Florida Gaming Control Commission law enforcement director Carl Herold said enforcement has shifted towards more technology-focused methods, while Nevada Gaming Commission vice-chairman Brian Krolicki called for international cooperation. IAGR managing director Kevin Mullally said the association plans an international awareness week later this year.
Florida's Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government advanced Senate Bill 1580 by an 8-0 vote, reportedly on Wednesday. The bill proposes making operating an illegal gambling house a third-degree felony; it now moves to the Rules Committee, while a separate House bill has also advanced.
Florida’s eight commercial casinos generated $63.2m in January, a 5.7% increase year on year, according to the Florida Gaming Control Commission’s latest report. Magic City Casino recorded the highest revenue, at $14.3m, while Calder Casino had the largest annual decline, down 5.9% to $7.4m.