Online gambling law beefed up in Florida

Possibly with advanced deposit wagering and internet cafe gambling issues in mind, Florida lawmakers have moved to beef up existing state gambling laws by adding language that bans the operation of online wagering businesses, along with the transmission of gambling information.

The changes were proposed to the state Senate Gaming Committee during deliberations on gambling reform proposal SPB 7052, which review the need for wider gambling changes in the state but does not specifically embrace online gambling.

The measure has a way to go yet and will be the subject of further discussion before it goes before the legislature for full debate.

The current 450-page draft follows an extensive review of Florida gambling conducted by an independent consultancy in 2013, and opinions and suggestions gleaned from a public consultation process.

Among the proposals are a state regulatory and control board; better enforcement options; tribal compact provisions; the status of the state lottery; the possibility of two land-based casino resorts in the state; and provisions regarding the control of physical poker rooms in the state.

Although online gambling is not included in the reform measure, there is nothing to stop Florida lawmakers from introducing a stand-alone online gambling legalisation bill at some future stage.

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