Florida lawmakers are trying again to shut down online casino and sportsbook activity that is not allowed under the state’s tribal agreement. In early December 2025, Rep. Berny Jaques filed House Bill 591 (also called HB 591).
The bill would make certain unauthorized online gambling a third-degree felony for operators, while leaving the Seminole Tribe compacted gaming exempt. Even though the bill does not directly name sweepstakes casinos, its wording could still affect them if Florida decides their model counts as illegal online gambling.
What House Bill 591 Would Do
The main goal of HB 591 is to ban “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering” that are not approved under Florida law. The bill would increase penalties for people who run or promote these activities.
In general, running or helping run unauthorized online gambling could be treated as a third-degree felony, while participating as a player could be a misdemeanor under the proposed changes.
The bill also tries to close loopholes by focusing on what the games look like and what players can win. It targets online play that simulates casino-style games and awards a prize or other thing of value.
The language can apply to different platforms, including mobile apps and other digital systems used to offer gambling-like games.
This is still a proposal, not a final law. Bills can change during committee hearings and floor votes. If it passes in its current form, it is set to take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
Why the Seminole Tribe is Treated Differently
The reason the Seminole Tribe is exempt is tied to Florida’s 2021 compact with the Tribe. That agreement, supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis, allows the Tribe to offer certain gaming activities in Florida under a legal framework.
This includes sports betting that is connected to the Tribe’s operations. The compact also includes payments and revenue sharing that benefit the state in different ways.
Florida’s situation is also shaped by federal law. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (passed in 1988) sets the basic rules for how federally recognized tribes can operate casinos and negotiate agreements with states. That is why tribal gaming often follows a different legal path than commercial online casinos.
In 2024, Florida also passed SB 1638, which directs certain funds tied to tribal gaming revenue toward environmental programs. Supporters point to these kinds of programs as a reason to protect the state’s compact system.
Critics argue Florida should focus on clear rules and consumer protections no matter who offers the games.
What This Could Mean for Sweepstakes Casinos
Many sweepstakes casinos say they are not “real-money casinos.” They usually offer free-play currency like Gold Coins, plus optional paid currency like Sweeps Coins, which can be used to play and potentially redeem cash prizes.
Supporters say this is a legal sweepstakes-style promotion. Critics say buying paid coins is too close to gambling, especially when the games look like slots or other casino products.
Because HB 591 focuses on online games that simulate casino play and award something of value, sweepstakes sites could face higher risk in Florida if regulators treat their prizes and paid coins as falling under that definition. Even if a site offers a free method to get coins, the state could still argue that the overall setup is an illegal gambling substitute.
If Florida moves forward, new sweeps casinos may respond by tightening geolocation blocks, changing how coins work, or leaving the state entirely. Some companies may also challenge the rules in court, as the sweepstakes model has already led to lawsuits and legal disputes in other places.
For players, the biggest change would likely be reduced access to sweepstakes-style casino games inside Florida.
What to Watch Next
HB 591 is early in the 2026 session, and the details matter. Watch which committees hear the bill, whether key definitions are narrowed or expanded, and how enforcement is written.
Until then, this is best viewed as a strong signal: Florida is aiming to keep most online casino-style gambling under the Seminole compact umbrella, potentially affecting the legality of sweepstakes casinos.