Florida’s sweeping gambling reform initiative, House Bill 1467, is progressing through the state legislature, even as it encounters strong resistance from veterans’ groups, horse racing interests, and the amusement industry. Introduced by Republican Representatives John Snyder and Adam Anderson, the bill proposes a series of changes to the state’s gambling laws, including stricter enforcement against illegal gaming, restrictions on former regulators, and the contentious inclusion of racetrack decoupling.
A major goal of the legislation is to expand the authority of both the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) and law enforcement to pursue illegal gambling operations more effectively. Should HB 1467 pass, the offense of operating an illegal gambling house would be elevated from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for first-time violators, with increasing penalties for repeat infractions.
The proposal also takes aim at unethical sports betting practices. Specifically, it would introduce criminal penalties for individuals who place bets using insider knowledge. While the bill strictly prohibits insider betting, it draws a distinction for other forms of gaming advice, particularly for less conventional games like fish tables, classifying such guidance as educational rather than exploitative.
When presenting the bill to the House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee earlier this month, Snyder emphasized that the reforms are not designed to expand gambling, but to codify elements of the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact into Florida law. The bill has already passed two committees, including the Budget Committee, and is now under review by the Commerce Committee.
Veterans’ and Amusement Groups Demand Clearer Language
Despite its momentum, HB 1467 has sparked significant concern among organizations representing veterans and amusement operators. During a recent hearing, Jonathan Zachem of the Amusement Machine Association of Florida warned that vague wording in the bill could lead to unintended consequences. He cited one clause in particular, stating, “It states that if you have a ‘prohibited or not prohibited game,’ you’re guilty of keeping a gambling house.”
Representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Florida American Legion echoed these concerns. Bill Helmich, speaking on behalf of both organizations, warned that the proposed definitions are ambiguous enough to jeopardize legally operated recreational activities such as bingo. He described the bill’s language as “clear as mud.”
Rep. Yvonne Hinson also voiced hesitation, refusing to back the measure until greater clarity was provided, particularly in areas that might affect veterans’ halls. Snyder, himself a veteran, acknowledged the concerns and promised to revise the bill’s language before it moves forward in the House.
Industry Backlash Grows Over Decoupling Clause
A particularly divisive element of the bill is its inclusion of decoupling provisions that would allow racetracks to continue operating slot machines and poker rooms without the requirement to hold live races. Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs are among the venues that would benefit from this shift, and Gulfstream’s parent company, Canada’s Stronach Group, has been a strong proponent.
Initially introduced as part of a separate Senate measure, the decoupling component was folded into HB 1467 after the Senate Appropriations Committee shelved SB 408. The move has sparked backlash from Thoroughbred racing advocates, who argue that decoupling could erode the state’s racing heritage.
“There’s somewhere around $30 million annually that goes into the Thoroughbred industry… That’s not changing,” said Rep. Anderson, who argued that the amendment simply adjusts the way funding is distributed and could be more beneficial to breeders and owners. Nonetheless, opposition remains fierce.
Whisper Hill Farm’s Mandy Pope criticized lawmakers for advancing legislation that she says favors “a Canadian gaming conglomerate, not Florida families.” Jena Antonucci, trainer of the 2023 Belmont Stakes champion, questioned the speed of the process, asking, “Why are we rushing a $3 billion industry through legislation?”
Even though the bill includes a clause mandating that Gulfstream Park maintain live racing until at least July 1, 2030, opponents argue that this is not enough. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, warned lawmakers: “The House bill is an assault on our industry,” and called on legislators to reject the decoupling provision to preserve rural jobs and long-term investments.
Next Steps as Session Nears End
With Florida’s legislative session set to close on May 2, time is running short for adjustments. While HB 1467 has passed major hurdles in the House, its Senate counterpart, SB 1404, is advancing at a slower pace and currently excludes the decoupling clause.
If passed in its current form, the bill would also institute a two-year cooling-off period for former FGCC staff, barring them from working in or investing in the gaming industry.
As the House prepares for a potential floor vote, the bill’s fate remains uncertain. Advocates on both sides are bracing for a final push in what could become one of the session’s most hotly debated pieces of legislation.
Source:
Florida’s Gambling Overhaul Bill Moves Forward, Drawing Fire from Veterans and Racing Industry, World Casino Directory, April 19, 2024.
