Florida’s proposed gambling reform legislation, House Bill 1467, aims to overhaul existing regulations by increasing penalties for illegal operations, introducing new restrictions on former regulators, and including provisions around racetrack decoupling. The bill seeks to empower law enforcement and the Florida Gaming Control Commission with stronger tools to combat unlawful gaming businesses, escalating penalties for operating illicit gambling houses and targeting integrity concerns in sports betting.

Despite progress, HB 1467 has faced opposition from veterans’ organizations, horse racing advocates, and representatives of the amusement industry. Concerns have been raised about the bill’s language potentially criminalizing lawful gaming activities in veterans’ halls and jeopardizing legal recreational activities like bingo. The inclusion of the controversial decoupling provision, allowing racetracks to operate slot machines and card rooms independently of live racing, has sparked backlash from the Thoroughbred racing industry.

As the legislative session concludes on May 2, HB 1467 has cleared key committees in the House, while its Senate companion, SB 1404, is advancing more cautiously and currently lacks the decoupling provision. The bill would also enforce a two-year ban on employment or investment in the gaming industry by former FGCC employees. The fate of the bill and its potential implications for gaming, veterans, and racing remain uncertain as lawmakers continue to deliberate.