Florida's HB 189 Unleashes Sweeping Overhaul of Gambling Laws: Here’s What We Know

Florida’s legislative calendar has been on overdrive in the last few days, with two major gambling enforcement bills getting their approval. SB1580 and HB189 have passed their respective hearings, with lawmakers highlighting illegal gaming machines and consumer protection initiatives, while remaining silent on sweepstakes casino games. 

Both measures expand the regulatory oversight and update a few illegal gambling violations, from misdemeanors to felonies.

While there’s no specific mention of “sweepstakes casinos”, the definition of unauthorized internet gambling to include games that award money or “things of value” and simulate casino-style play has put operators on notice.

HB189 Rewrites the State’s Gambling Oversight

HB189 is a companion bill to SB1580, and was filed to overhaul the state’s gambling framework and oversight. Rep. Tommy Trabulsy (R-St. Lucie), together with Rep. Ryan Yarkosky, filed the House version on October 15th, 2025. The bill boasts two general aims, based on its language and the hearings conducted:

• Comprehensive restructuring. HB189 aims to update the state’s gambling code and upgrade the criminal penalties for illegal gambling from misdemeanor to felony. Also, it strengthens the oversight and regulatory powers of the state’s Gaming Control Commission, clarifying its licensing standards.
• Clarification of internet/fantasy language. The bill adopts a strike-all amendment, indicating that “internet sports wagering” does not cover fantasy sports contests. This rule draws the line, while temporarily protecting DFS from regulation. However, the broad language could be used by regulators to target sweepstakes casinos or even affiliates.

How HB189 Fits Into the Anti-Sweepstakes Casino Efforts?

This latest bill to come out of the Florida House builds on last year’s anti-sweeps trajectory. The state has filed and welcomed a few initiatives in the past, such as HB591 and HB953/SB 1404, which aim to stop non-Seminole online casinos and sportsbooks. 

Also, this new bill reinforces the state’s attitude towards sweepstakes casino games and its dual-currency model, which was initially tightened decades ago via Section 849.094 on “internet cafe sweepstakes”.

For sweepstakes casino operators, the passage of HB189 served as a warning sign. If it becomes a law, it brings them to a “higher criminal exposure”. This law could provide regulator leverage and boost enforcement.

The state’s Gaming Control Commission has already issued cease-and-desist letters, and the bill could give the office a clearer legal agenda with stiffer penalties.

As of February 14th, the bill is in its third committee substitute form, and was recently added to the House Calendar, after a Favorable 18-5 vote.

No floor vote has been scheduled, with the state’s regular session set to end on March 13th.

REFERENCES

• HB189