Senate Committee all in on increased punishment for operators of criminal gambling houses

A Senate panel isn’t bluffing when it comes to tougher penalties for those running illegal gaming houses.

The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government approved a measure (SB 1580) that would increase the penalty for those who operate an illegal gambling house to a third-degree felony. That punishment was downgraded six years ago to a misdemeanor.

Sen. Jonathan Martin, a Fort Myers Republican, sponsored the bill.

“Current penalties are, frankly, too weak to deter operators,” Martin said.

The bill also calls for the authorized destruction of illegal gaming machines, such as slot machines, seized in raids. The measure would establish an Inspector General to review investigations.

“The goal is to protect communities, uphold gambling integrity and stop bad actors who profit from illegal operations,” Martin said.

But it’s unclear whether the bill will hit the finish line. In the House, a similar bill (HB 591) has not been reviewed by any of its four assigned Committees.

Jon Zachem, a lawyer representing the Amusement Machine Owners Association of Florida, said the bill is overreaching.

“Getting one or two bad actors and making hundreds possibly end up having to bear this burden is unfair,” Zachem said, adding that a felony arrest, even if someone is acquitted, will negatively impact them for the rest of their lives.

Leaders of military veteran groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion criticized the bill because they often operate low-stakes gambling activities.

Martin said he attempted a similar bill two years ago that was not approved by the Legislature because of those concerns by veterans. He said his current bill allows for veteran groups to check with regulators to see if their machines are legal.

The measure comes as the Florida Gaming Commission has ramped up crackdowns of illegal gaming houses in the past year.

The bill has one more scheduled stop in the Senate Rules Committee.