Florida lawmakers have revived efforts to crack down on online sweepstakes casinos and other forms of gambling not operated under the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, setting up another major fight over consumer protection, market access, and tribal exclusivity.
In early December 2025, Rep. Berny Jacques filed House Bill 591 (HB 591), which would prohibit—or effectively criminalize—most gambling activity outside the Seminole framework, including internet-style products that resemble online casinos and sweepstakes platforms. Supporters argue the bill strengthens enforcement against unregulated offerings and closes loopholes that allow casino-like play to proliferate without the same safeguards or oversight.
The move comes after similar Florida proposals targeting sweepstakes models failed to advance in prior sessions, underscoring how contentious the issue remains and how quickly the “social/sweepstakes” category has grown nationwide.
Florida’s regulatory backdrop is unusually high-stakes: litigation around the Seminole compact and statewide mobile sports betting has shaped the market’s trajectory, and the compact’s status has been debated in federal courts, creating uncertainty for non-tribal operators and platforms seeking access to Florida’s customer base.
Industry critics say broad bans risk sweeping in legitimate promotional models and could push players toward offshore sites, while proponents insist clearer prohibitions help protect consumers and preserve legal certainty. For operators, 2026 could bring either tighter restrictions—or another round of stalled reforms.
