Sweepstakes Ban Bills Stall In Florida Senate Committees

Online sweepstakes casino proponents were able to claim another statehouse victory Monday after a pair of bills were indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration in the Florida legislature.

The bill with language more specific to sweeps was S 1404 filed by Sen. Corey Simon, which included bans on online casino sweepstakes, internet casino gaming, and mobile sports betting outside the state's compact with Hard Rock. A substitute bill attached to the original legislation failed to advance from the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government.

In addition to the bans of perceived competition, it was believed the bill could have served as a precursor to Hard Rock launching iGaming in the Sunshine State.

"The defeat of these bills continues a clear national trend," said a spokesperson for the Social and Promotional Games Association in a statement released Monday. "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."

The back and forth continues across the country

The second bill, CS/HB 1467, would have created criminal penalties for online sports betting conducted outside Hard Rock's platform. It also focused on closing a loophole for lobbying bans regarding the amount of time a former member of the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) must wait before joining fantasy sports or sports betting companies.

The bill also would have had the FGCC regulate daily fantasy sports, which has long been a gray area when it comes to gaming in Florida. It also had a series of amendments filed in the Commerce Committee after it had passed through the Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee and Budget Committee.

Both bills could be brought back for consideration if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extends the legislative session.

“This is a huge win, not just for the industry, but for every Floridian who values economic freedom and digital innovation,” the SPGA added. “Once again, a state has seen through the scare tactics and rejected legislation that would have harmed consumers, businesses, and Florida's economy.”

Bills looking to ban sweepstakes casino sites failed to get out of statehouses in Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi. Similar legislation is currently active in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.