Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling on the Legislature to increase penalties for illegal gambling operations from a misdemeanor to a felony, saying the punishment wasn't sending the "right message" in stopping illegal acts in the state.
"Right now, people can stand to make millions off of unlawful gambling operations and just end up with a slap on the wrist, a misdemeanor," Uthmeier said. "This is not sending the right message, and it is not enough of a deterrent to stop this illegal behavior."
Uthmeier noted the crime could lead to other criminal behavior, including money laundering and racketeering.
Last month, more than 30 people were indicted for their involvement in a high-profile illegal gambling ring, including Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, former Miami Heat Guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones.
The operation was allegedly orchestrated by the Mafia, including the Lucchese, Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino families.
Showing the risk, Uthmeier noted the success of Florida in combating illegal gambling, but alluded that there was still work to be done to stop the operations, including possibly by upping the consequences.
"Over the last year, we've taken down numerous large-scale gambling operations that have spanned in the 10s of millions of dollars," Uthmeier said. "A heightened penalty will give us in law enforcement the tools to hold these wrongdoers accountable."
Notably, the Florida Legislature has sponsored a bill looking to safeguard the state's gaming industry from illegal activity. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) in the Senate in October.
A similar bill, HB 189, was sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce) in the House last month. Uthmeier thanked both lawmakers for their support.
If passed, the legislation would take effect on July 1.
"I want to thank Representative Dana Trabulsy and Senator Bradley for championing this much-needed public safety bill and empowering law enforcement with the tools they need to keep Floridians safe," Uthemeier said.
The Floridian has reached out to Sen. Bradley and Rep. Trabulsy for comment on the legislation and will update this story if one is provided.
