The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) today announced its support for Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget, which includes significant investments aimed at strengthening the Commission’s ability to regulate legal gaming and combat illegal gambling activities across the state.
The proposed budget allocates critical resources to enhance enforcement, investigations, and storage capabilities, ensuring the integrity of Florida’s gaming industry.
Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman praised the Governor’s commitment to the Commission’s mission, stating, “The Commission is grateful for Governor DeSantis’ steadfast support to successfully execute the mission and vision for gaming in Florida, including an ongoing strategic focus on combatting illegal gaming activity. These investments will solidify our ability to ensure the integrity of legal gaming experiences for Floridians and visitors, as well as safeguard state revenues for key educational and environmental programs.”
The Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget includes several targeted allocations to bolster the FGCC’s operations:
- $784,000 for Technology Enhancements: Funds will be used to upgrade technology systems, enabling more efficient and effective investigations into illegal gaming activities.
- $225,000 for Additional Staffing: The budget supports hiring additional enforcement and investigation personnel to expand the Commission’s capacity to address illegal gambling operations.
- $2.1 Million for Warehouse Storage: A new storage facility will be established to house seized equipment and assets from enforcement operations, ensuring proper handling and disposal of illegal gaming materials.
READ: Florida Gaming Control Commission Cracks Down On Illegal Online Gambling Operations
The Florida Gaming Control Commission, established during a 2021 Legislative Special Session, is tasked with regulating and overseeing all forms of legal gaming in the state, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms, slot machine facilities, and gaming compacts. The Commission is also responsible for enforcing Florida’s gaming laws and combating illegal gambling activities, which undermine the state’s economy and public safety.
“These investments will allow us to continue effectively regulating and licensing legal gaming while aggressively pursuing illegal operations,” Marshman added. “Our goal is to preserve the integrity of gaming in Florida and protect the revenues that support vital programs like education and environmental conservation.”
The FGCC encourages Floridians to report illegal gambling activities or facilities through its online portal at FLGaming.gov/File-a-Report, by email at Contact@FLGaming.gov, or by phone at 850-880-3433. Citizen reports play a crucial role in helping the Commission identify and shut down illegal operations.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.