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FLORIDA - Florida leaders are renewing efforts to increase criminal penalties for illegal gambling, prompting both support and caution as the proposal moves through the state capitol.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said the change is needed to help authorities prosecute large operations that allegedly generated tens of millions of dollars.
He stated that higher penalties would give law enforcement stronger tools to hold offenders accountable after multiple investigations and takedowns over the past year.
The discussion comes as several gambling related cases gain attention across the state.
Recent enforcement actions in Polk, Pasco, Hernando and Manatee counties targeted alleged unlicensed gambling operations.
National headlines also emerged after Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested in connection with what authorities described as an illegal sports betting scheme.
According to the arrest report, Rozier was accused of participating in an operation involving unlawful wagers, though he has not been convicted and all allegations remain pending.
State Representative Dana Trabulsy of Fort Pierce is leading efforts to advance the bill. She said illegal gambling has contributed to tax evasion, consumer exploitation, money laundering and other criminal activity.
Supporters say the legislation is intended to close gaps in enforcement and deter large scale operations.
However, veterans’ organizations including American Legion posts, Moose Associations and Veterans of Foreign Wars chapters have raised concerns about how the bill is written. Some lawmakers, including Representative Anna Eskamani of Orlando, said the language could create confusion for lawful groups that operate games for fundraising.
Eskamani said clarifying the distinction between legal and illegal activities would help avoid unintended consequences.
The bill sponsor has indicated a willingness to work with all parties to refine the proposal as it moves forward.