State Representative Berny Jacques has filed a proposed bill that would significantly increase penalties for illegal gambling and slot machine trafficking. House Bill 591, filed Dec. 2, is aimed at protecting consumers from illegal gaming schemes and financial harm, while closing regulatory loopholes.
In a statement issued by Jacques’ office, he said, “Excessive gambling is a scourge on our society, and illegal gambling only contributes to that issue. This bill cracks down on the problem.”
The proposal updates and tightens several sections of current law. The false impersonation of an agent of the Florida Gaming Control Commission would be treated like impersonating law enforcement. Illegal slot machine sale, manufacture or operation would fall under a new tiered felony structure. The bill also adds new crimes, including penalties for repeat offenders, criminalizing advertisements for illegal gambling operations and criminalizing the transport of persons for illegal gambling, among other acts.
The bill arrives shortly after two arrests in St. Petersburg, though the timing is coincidental. In September, St. Petersburg police, assisting the Florida Gaming Control Commission, raided two arcades operating as illegal gambling hubs.
According to a report from St. Pete Police, agents raided the Fun Arcade, 901 16th St. S., and seized 30 illegal slot machines and five gambling video game tables, along with $15,654 in cash. Ghazwan Samaan and Anthony Jamel Abuead were each charged with one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count of Keeping a Gambling House.
At the 49th Street Arcade, 800 49th Street South, agents seized 29 illegal slot machines and one fish table, along with $4,266 in cash. Angela D. Sutton was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Slot Machines and one count of Keeping a Gambling House.
All defendants arrested during the raids have been issued a summons by the Pinellas County Court, and their trials are pending. Under the proposed bill, each would face significantly increased charges, with any successive arrests automatically increasing in severity.
Representatives from the St. Pete Police and the FGCC were not immediately available to comment on how the bill would impact their resources and ability to enforce gambling laws. This article will be updated once more information is provided.