Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to see penalties for illegal gambling operations raised from their current level of misdemeanor to a felony.
Uthmeier stated that this punishment simply wasn’t sending the “right message” to people committing such crimes.
“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,” said the Attorney General in a video that was shared on X.
This year, we have taken down several illegal gambling operations totaling millions of dollars.
I’ve encouraged the Legislature to raise the penalty for such dangerous operations, often combined with trafficking and laundering, from a misdemeanor to felony. Let’s hold criminals… pic.twitter.com/SpqzmDjfM5
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) November 24, 2025
“This is not sending the right message and it is not enough of a deterrent to stop this illegal behavior.”
Florida has had success in dealing with illegal gambling operations in recent months, although Uthmeier said that there is still work to be done.
“Over the last year, we’ve taken down numerous large-scale gambling operations that have spanned in the 10s of millions of dollars,” added Uthmeier.
“A heightened penalty will give us in law enforcement the tools to hold these wrongdoers accountable.”
Uthmeier was behind the operation that led to the arrest of former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez after casino raids exposed an illegal gambling operation.
High-profile illegal NBA gambling ring is part of the problem
In October this year, a major FBI investigation resulted in the arrest of over 30 individuals across several states who were linked with an illegal card game syndicate.
Miami Heat star Terry Rozier was one of the people arrested in connection with the scheme, which was reportedly run by central mafia figures.
Rozier was arrested in Orlando and is currently suspended by the Heat without pay as a result of this connection.
Furthermore, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has subsequently pleaded not guilty regarding any involvement in the card game syndicate, and he has been released on a $5 million bond.
This betting scandal is not only affecting Florida, but also other states across the country, and it remains to be seen if either Rozier or Billups will face further penalties in relation to the case.
Featured Image: Attorney General James Uthmeier via X
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