The Florida House of Representatives has taken a significant step in combating illegal gambling operations within the state by advancing a bill aimed at cracking down on such activities. However, despite its progress, concerns linger regarding potential unintended consequences and the clarity of certain provisions.

Rep. Michelle Salzman’s Bill Advances in Florida House Despite Concerns

House Bill 189, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, garnered approval from the House Appropriations Committee following a thorough debate that highlighted various concerns, reported media outlet Florida Politics. 

One major issue raised during the discussion was the possibility of inadvertently ensnaring unsuspecting individuals, particularly night managers, into legal trouble due to the broad language of the bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to impose harsher penalties for operating illegal gambling establishments, including those housing unauthorized slot machines. Additionally, it aims to deter such activities by prohibiting the advertising of unlicensed betting venues. 

Rep. Salzman emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from the dangers of unregulated gambling, citing its links to illicit trades such as drug trafficking and human exploitation.

While the bill received committee approval, several members expressed reservations about its potential ramifications. Rep. Dan Daley, Christopher Benjamin, Mike Gottlieb, and Patricia Williams raised concerns ranging from the broad scope of the language to the potential impact on unwitting individuals, such as low-level managers, who may not be aware of violations occurring on the premises they oversee.

Rep. Salzman Defends Controversial Bill Amidst Criticism Over Unintended Consequences

In response to these concerns, Rep. Salzman defended the bill, highlighting provisions intended to protect managers who are unaware of illegal activities taking place under their supervision. However, critics argued that despite potential legal defenses, the mere accusation of involvement in illegal gambling could have severe repercussions for individuals, affecting their future prospects and reputations.

Representatives of the amusement machine industry echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential strain on local resources resulting from legal disputes arising from unintentional violations. Jonathan Zachem, representing the Amusement Machine Association of Florida, warned against the detrimental effects on small-scale operators caught in the crossfire of enforcement efforts.

Despite opposition, supporters of the bill argue that enhanced penalties and stricter enforcement are necessary to curb illicit gambling practices. Rep. Randy Fine emphasized the importance of maintaining regulatory oversight to prevent the proliferation of unregulated gambling activities.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it faces further scrutiny and deliberation. With similar legislation progressing in the Senate, the issue of illegal gambling remains a focal point of legislative action in Florida.

The post Debate Ensues as Florida House Moves to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Alabama’s new legislative session is just around the corner, sparking theories about whether lawmakers will try to get gambling legalized. However, one lawmaker is focusing his efforts elsewhere, opting to instead push for a shutdown of illegal gambling operations.

For reference, gambling in Alabama is currently prohibited by the state’s constitution. This means that even if a bill to legalize gambling is approved, it would ultimately be up to the voters to decide whether Alabama gambling will become a reality or not.

As the legislative session approaches, many speculate that a gambling bill may be on the table.

In any case, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is just as concerned about the state’s illegal gambling problems. He recently commented on the matter, telling local news outlets that he would 100% support an intensification of the efforts against illegal gambling. Ledbetter added that a committee he formed to study gambling is gearing up to introduce a bill that targets illegal gambling in The Heart of Dixie.

While this bill is yet to become a reality, Ledbetter explained that illegal gambling is certainly something Alabama should take care of, considering the unlicensed operations’ apparent ties to organized crime.

Ledbetter teased that, if passed, the bill of his committee would “shut 95% of everything down.” He attributed last year’s inactivity to the many freshman lawmakers but added that the state really needs to do something to stop illegal gambling in 2024.

Ledbetter Is an Avid Supporter of Legal Gambling

For reference, Ledbetter has been an avid supporter of the regulation of gambling in Alabama. He has advocated for legalized gambling since 2021, arguing that many people would like the state to have a legal industry.

Ledbetter argued that many Alabamans already play in neighboring states or with offshore websites. Some of them even visit one of the state’s illegal gambling venues that Ledbetter is so hellbent on tearing down.

Because of that, the Speaker believes that the state is missing out on a lot of tax money that has the potential to benefit the local economy, bolster public education and help communities in need.

The lack of legal gambling, Ledbetter argues, channels more and more people toward illegal sites each year, exacerbating the issue.

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The Philippine authorities continue the crackdown on Philippine Online Gaming Operator-related crime. Previously, authorities busted an illegal POGO operation that was involved in human trafficking and found that a number of local police workers may have been involved.

In the wake of the raid, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will undergo a thorough assessment of the Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) which allow foreigners to work for local gambling operators and companies.

As a result, the DOLE will look into as many as 42,000 foreigners working for POGO companies and take punitive action if it learns that some of them are involved in crime. The department warned that people who have participated in fraudulent activities risk the cancelation of their AEPs or even prison time.

Senate Members Proposed Blanket Ban on POGOs

The action comes amid intense calls for a crackdown on POGOs and the review of AEP workers. The Philippine Senate recently underscored the importance of a blanket ban on offshore operators.

Senator Joel Villanueva slammed the POGOs, saying that these companies should not be allowed to operate and freely offer their services when their licenses have been revoked. The head of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Sherwin Gatchalian, on the other hand, said that POGOS should be kicked out from the Philippines as soon as possible.

The Philippines has a serious problem with AEP-related fraud as foreign criminals would oftentimes obtain their permits illegally and then buy a password. This creates a dangerous internal threat for the Asian country and has prompted the authorities to act.

Incidents often involve illegal gambling, human trafficking and gun crime and sometimes end in killings. A recent attack, for example, left two people dead and one severely injured. Authorities believe that the attack might also be related to POGO-related crime.

In the meantime, the Philippine government continues its efforts to exit the FATF grey list.

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