Florida Online Poker Study Bill Still without a Vote

Florida Senate Bill 682, which calls for a study of Internet poker to be presented in December and recommendations for legislation to protect Floridians currently engaging in unregulated online poker, has again been moved to special order calendar.

The bill passed the General Government Appropriations Committee on April 20 but has not yet been heard by the Senate.

If not voted on by Friday, the bill will have to be reintroduced next year.

Still, Greg Giordano, legislative assistant to Senator Mike Fasano, who sponsored the bill, told IGamingNews Tuesday he is confident it will get a floor vote this week.

Florida law currently prohibits engaging in any unregulated game of chance for money or anything of value, but does authorize certain games, including poker, at licensed pari-mutuel wagering facilities.

There are 21 licensed card rooms in Florida, according to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

Online poker is not currently addressed under the section of Florida law that permits such activity.