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Florida targets illegal gambling with harsher felony penalties under new bill

From misdemeanours to felonies: Florida lawmakers push for tougher laws to shut down illegal gambling. Will harsher penalties finally curb the problem?

This is a paper. On this something is written.
This is a paper. On this something is written.

Florida targets illegal gambling with harsher felony penalties under new bill

A new push in Florida aims to crack down on illegal gambling operations with tougher penalties. Senator Jeff Brandes has introduced a bill to upgrade misdemeanour charges to third-degree felonies for unlicensed gambling businesses. The move follows high-profile cases and concerns over weak deterrents under current laws.

The proposed legislation would make running an illegal gambling operation a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. At present, such offences are treated as misdemeanours, which critics argue fail to deter criminal activity. Florida Attorney General Ashley Uthmeier has supported stricter measures, stating that current penalties leave consumers vulnerable.

If passed, the bill would mark a significant shift in how Florida prosecutes illegal gambling. Stricter penalties could lead to longer prison terms for offenders and reduce the number of unregulated operations. The change would also align with lawmakers' and the attorney general’s calls for stronger consumer protections.

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