Fort Pierce Rep's Bill Targets Illegal Gambling with Felony Penalties, Returns to Senate

A bill championed by Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy that would sharply increase penalties for running illegal gambling operations is bouncing between chambers with just one day left in the legislative session.

The Senate passed the measure, SB 1580, last Friday and sent it to the House. The House adopted an amendment authored by Trabulsy this week that adjusted some technical language, sending the bill back to the Senate for a final vote before Sine Die.

If the bill becomes law, Treasure Coast residents and business operators could see a more aggressive crackdown on illegal gaming houses in the region. The measure would elevate operating an illegal gambling house from a misdemeanor back to a third-degree felony — a penalty level that was downgraded six years ago. The bill would also authorize the destruction of illegal gaming machines seized in raids and establish an Inspector General to oversee investigations.

One provision added by the amendment would allow legal gambling operations to relocate up to approximately 1,300 square feet from their current locations without losing their licenses — a change aimed at protecting existing licensed operators.

Not all House members were fully satisfied with the measure heading into the final vote. Tampa Democrat Rep. Dianne Hart-Lowman raised concerns that the bill could unintentionally harm veterans organizations that rely on slot machines to raise funds for programs supporting veterans in local communities. Veterans groups voiced similar concerns during the committee process, noting that bingo wagering and slot machines help fund services for veterans.

Trabulsy said the bill would allow veterans organizations to contact the Florida Gaming Control Commission to confirm whether their machines are legal, which she indicated should prevent any disruption to gaming at veterans lodges.

The bill now returns to the Senate, which must act on the amended measure before the Legislature adjourns at Sine Die. Whether negotiators can resolve any remaining differences in time remains unclear.

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