Twin bills filed this week in the state legislature are taking aim at illegal arcades in Florida.
House Bill 953 and Senate Bill 1404 would create major changes to gaming laws in the state.
The legislation, if approved, would create harsher penalties for people who run gambling houses, people who work at them and even those who rent space out for them.
The bills also call for major penalties and fines for people who bring slot machines to the state for illegal arcades, among other penalties.
As it stands right now, slot machines are only legal at tribal casinos and a few other locations designated by the state.
However, places that have slot machines exist all over Lee County. They are often known as arcades or "little casinos" and are typically run out of strip malls.
Gulf Coast News reported on the crackdown, of sorts, on illegal arcades back in 2023. Several were raided and shut down. Despite that, there continues to be a proliferation of gaming houses.
In January, state and local law enforcement explained why they believe there are still so many illegal arcades: weak penalties for offenders.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission, law enforcement and prosecutors all testified before the House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee in January.
“Misdemeanors are not cutting it,” Ross Marshman, of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, told lawmakers.
“There is zero disincentive for these establishments to close down,” Chief Ed Cayenne, of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, testified.
“This needs to be felonies in order for there to be enough juice for the squeeze,” Sara Hassler, an assistant state attorney, told lawmakers.
The bills introduced this week address many of the complaints law enforcement have raised.
“All this activity is not regulated. Not taxed. 100% illegal," Jim Allen said of the arcades.
Allen is the CEO of Seminole Gaming, which operates legitimate casinos. While many players see the arcades as harmless fun, Allen said they have become a hotspot for other crimes, like burglaries and robberies.
He also points out that there are no regulations with arcades to ensure players actually win, and they aren’t taxed like legitimate casinos either.
“We, Seminole Hard Rock, pay the state of Florida over $750 million,” Allen said. “Which obviously goes back to help all the citizens of the state of Florida."
The legislation still has a long way to go before becoming law.