Florida Senator Pushes Broad Gambling Overhaul and Strips DEI Rules

A Florida lawmaker wants to change how the state oversees gaming, crack down on illegal gambling, and get rid of diversity rules in state law. Sen. Clay Yarborough brought this big plan to the 2026 legislative session. His proposal aims to make major changes to laws about illegal slot machines, online betting sites, and more.

New Florida Proposal Drops DEI Language, Tightens Gaming Enforcement

The proposed law, SB 1164, aims to get rid of wording that told the Florida Gaming Control Commission to think about race, ethnicity, and gender when picking appointees. It would also do away with rules that pushed slot machine license holders to favor minority contractors and report on their efforts to hire workers from underrepresented groups, reported media outlet Florida Politics. State leaders have tried to make similar changes in other agencies, and the senator presented this bill as part of that bigger push to remove diversity requirements.

The proposal goes beyond reshaping oversight regulations and targets a broad spectrum of illegal gambling activities, as currently, individuals caught running unauthorized slot operations face only minor criminal charges. Police have argued that these punishments do not deter operators, given the spread of unlicensed gambling venues styled as “arcades,” many of which are known to attract elderly patrons. Florida’s top legal official has voiced worries that current laws allow these establishments to function with little risk.

SB 1164 Proposes Tougher Felonies for Gambling Violations and Operators

SB 1164 would raise the stakes. Running a gambling house without a license would become a third-degree felony for anyone who controls the business. Workers would also face new penalties that get tougher with each offense, starting as a first-degree misdemeanor and growing to a second-degree felony for multiple violations.

The bill goes a step further by making property owners criminals if they rent space to illegal gambling operations. Their first offense would count as a third-degree felony, and if they keep doing it, they would face more serious felony charges.

The new law gives more power to crack down on illegal online and fixed-contest gambling outside Florida’s deal with the Seminole Tribe. People who bet online could face misdemeanor charges, while those who run or promote these operations might get hit with felonies. Anyone who cheats at cardroom games or creates rigged online games using cards, dice, numbers, or similar items could be charged with a third-degree felony.

Bringing slot machines into the state is another big focus. Importing more than 15 machines or their parts could lead to first-degree felony charges. Fines get much higher based on how many machines are involved. The toughest penalty proposed is a $500,000 fine for bringing 50 or more devices into Florida.

The law also makes it illegal to bring groups into the state for unlawful gambling. Transporting smaller groups would lead to less serious charges, while moving larger numbers – if they include older adults or kids – would be a more severe crime. If passed, these changes would start in October.