The SGLA is turning its attention to Florida and arguing that regulated sweepstakes-style casino games could bring in $70 million a year for the state. At the same time, Seminole Tribe exclusivity and a new bill called HB 189 could make the opposite happen by tightening rules around online gambling.
A recent industry-backed report claims Florida players may spend about $1.04 billion on these games in 2025, but legal and political barriers mean any path to legalization could be long and uncertain.
What the SGLA is Asking Florida to Do
The group says these platforms, sometimes called sweepstakes casinos, should be regulated under a new label: Social Plus. In its pitch, the Eilers & Krejcik report says Florida could set up rules, require licenses, and collect money through a 6% tax on player purchases.
The same report suggests an annual fee of $270,000 per brand, along with the tax, could add up to more than $70 million a year for the state.
Supporters say regulation could also create clearer standards for how these platforms operate. The report argues that a licensing system could help the state check compliance, improve disclosures, and set rules for prize redemptions and dispute handling—areas that are often handled differently across sites today.
The report’s broader numbers are also meant to show how large the market has become. It estimates $1.04 billion in Florida player purchases in 2025, out of $12.5 billion nationally.
It also claims the industry supports 2,762 jobs through spending on items like marketing, payment processing, and hosting, and estimates more than $1.8 billion in nationwide economic impact through suppliers.
Why Florida is a Tough Place to Change the Rules
One major barrier is Amendment 3, passed in 2018. In simple terms, it gave voters the power to approve many changes tied to casino expansion statewide. That means lawmakers may not be able to green-light a new form of casino-style gaming on their own, depending on how the activity is defined and challenged in court.
Another big factor is the Seminole Tribe and the state’s 2021 compact. That deal gives the tribe exclusive rights in key areas of gaming and is tied to $2.5 billion in guaranteed payments over the first five years. If Florida created a new legal market that is seen as breaking exclusivity, it could risk disputes over revenue payments and open the door to legal challenges.
At the same time, Florida lawmakers are considering tougher online rules, not looser ones. A proposal tied to Internet gambling in HB 189 would add stronger penalties, including a felony for operators who run or promote illegal online gambling.
The bill also includes language that could take effect July 1, 2026 if passed, while carving out exceptions for the tribe’s compact and DFS. It also targets illegal gambling advertising, which could matter for how new sweepstakes-style sites market to Florida residents.
What Happens Next, and What Players Should Watch
Even without new laws, enforcement in Florida has been active. The Florida Gaming Control Commission and local police have carried out raids tied to illegal machines and storefront-style gaming operations. That backdrop matters because it shows the state is already focused on tightening enforcement, even as industry groups argue for regulation.
The debate also includes questions about research and industry ties. The report noted that Eilers & Krejcik Ventures has investments in Fliff and JefeBet, and raised concerns about how those connections are disclosed when economic studies are used in lobbying efforts.
For now, the biggest takeaway is uncertainty. The 2026 session could bring new bills, but legalization could still require a ballot measure, a compact renegotiation, or a regulatory plan that can survive court challenges. If Florida does revisit the issue, supporters will likely focus on consumer protections and tax revenue, while critics may focus on gambling expansion and tribal exclusivity.
