551.113 Persons prohibited from playing slot machines.
551.114 Slot machine gaming areas.
551.116 Days and hours of operation.
551.117 Penalties.
551.118 Compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program.
551.119 Caterer’s license.
551.121 Prohibited activities and devices; exceptions.
551.122 Rulemaking.
551.123 Legislative authority; administration of chapter.
551.101 Slot machine gaming authorized.—Any licensed pari-mutuel facility located in Miami-Dade County or Broward County existing at the time of adoption of s. 23, Art. X of the State Constitution that has conducted live racing or games during calendar years 2002 and 2003 may possess slot machines and conduct slot machine gaming at the location where the pari-mutuel permitholder is authorized to conduct pari-mutuel wagering activities pursuant to such permitholder’s valid pari-mutuel permit provided that a majority of voters in a countywide referendum have approved slot machines at such facility in the respective county. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is not a crime for a person to participate in slot machine gaming at a pari-mutuel facility licensed to possess slot machines and conduct slot machine gaming or to participate in slot machine gaming described in this chapter.
551.102 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) “Commission” means the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
(2) “Designated slot machine gaming area” means the area or areas of a facility of a slot machine licensee in which slot machine gaming may be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) “Distributor” means any person who sells, leases, or offers or otherwise provides, distributes, or services any slot machine or associated equipment for use or play of slot machines in this state. A manufacturer may be a distributor within the state.
(4) “Eligible facility” means any licensed pari-mutuel facility located in Miami-Dade County or Broward County existing at the time of adoption of s. 23, Art. X of the State Constitution that has conducted live racing or games during calendar years 2002 and 2003 and has been approved by a majority of voters in a countywide referendum to have slot machines at such facility in the respective county; any licensed pari-mutuel facility located within a county as defined in s. 125.011, provided such facility has conducted live racing for 2 consecutive calendar years immediately preceding its application for a slot machine license, pays the required license fee, and meets the other requirements of this chapter; or any licensed pari-mutuel facility in any other county in which a majority of voters have approved slot machines at such facilities in a countywide referendum held pursuant to a statutory or constitutional authorization after the effective date of this section in the respective county, provided such facility has conducted a full schedule of live racing for 2 consecutive calendar years immediately preceding its application for a slot machine license, pays the required licensed fee, and meets the other requirements of this chapter.
(5) “Independent testing laboratory” means an independent laboratory:
(a) With demonstrated competence testing gaming machines and equipment;
(b) That is licensed by at least 10 other states; and
(c) That has not had its license suspended or revoked by any other state within the immediately preceding 10 years.
(6) “Manufacturer” means any person who manufactures, builds, rebuilds, fabricates, assembles, produces, programs, designs, or otherwise makes modifications to any slot machine or associated equipment for use or play of slot machines in this state for gaming purposes. A manufacturer may be a distributor within the state.
(7) “Nonredeemable credits” means slot machine operating credits that cannot be redeemed for cash or any other thing of value by a slot machine, kiosk, or the slot machine licensee and that are provided free of charge to patrons. Such credits do not constitute “nonredeemable credits” until such time as they are metered as credit into a slot machine and recorded in the facility-based monitoring system.
(8) “Progressive system” means a computerized system linking slot machines in one or more licensed facilities within this state or other jurisdictions and offering one or more common progressive payouts based on the amounts wagered.
(9) “Slot machine” means any mechanical or electrical contrivance, terminal that may or may not be capable of downloading slot games from a central server system, machine, or other device that, upon insertion of a coin, bill, ticket, token, or similar object or upon payment of any consideration whatsoever, including the use of any electronic payment system except a credit card or debit card, is available to play or operate, the play or operation of which, whether by reason of skill or application of the element of chance or both, may deliver or entitle the person or persons playing or operating the contrivance, terminal, machine, or other device to receive cash, billets, tickets, tokens, or electronic credits to be exchanged for cash or to receive merchandise or anything of value whatsoever, whether the payoff is made automatically from the machine or manually. The term includes associated equipment necessary to conduct the operation of the contrivance, terminal, machine, or other device. Slot machines may use spinning reels, video displays, or both. A slot machine is not a “coin-operated amusement machine” as defined in s. 212.02(24) or an amusement game or machine as described in s. 546.10, and slot machines are not subject to the tax imposed by s. 212.05(1)(h).
(10) “Slot machine facility” means a facility at which slot machines as defined in this chapter are lawfully offered for play.
(11) “Slot machine license” means a license issued by the commission authorizing a pari-mutuel permitholder to place and operate slot machines as provided by s. 23, Art. X of the State Constitution, the provisions of this chapter, and commission rules.
(12) “Slot machine licensee” means a pari-mutuel permitholder who holds a license issued by the commission pursuant to this chapter that authorizes such person to possess a slot machine within facilities specified in s. 23, Art. X of the State Constitution and allows slot machine gaming.
(13) “Slot machine operator” means a person employed or contracted by the owner of a licensed facility to conduct slot machine gaming at that licensed facility.
(14) “Slot machine revenues” means the total of all cash and property, except nonredeemable credits, received by the slot machine licensee from the operation of slot machines less the amount of cash, cash equivalents, credits, and prizes paid to winners of slot machine gaming.
551.103 Powers and duties of the commission and law enforcement.—
(1) The commission shall adopt, pursuant to the provisions of ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, all rules necessary to implement, administer, and regulate slot machine gaming as authorized in this chapter. Such rules must include:
(a) Procedures for applying for a slot machine license and renewal of a slot machine license.
(b) Technical requirements and the qualifications contained in this chapter that are necessary to receive a slot machine license or slot machine occupational license.
(c) Procedures to scientifically test and technically evaluate slot machines for compliance with this chapter. The commission may contract with an independent testing laboratory to conduct any necessary testing under this section. An independent testing laboratory shall not be owned or controlled by a licensee. The use of an independent testing laboratory for any purpose related to the conduct of slot machine gaming by a licensee under this chapter shall be made from a list of one or more laboratories approved by the commission.
(d) Procedures relating to slot machine revenues, including verifying and accounting for such revenues, auditing, and collecting taxes and fees consistent with this chapter.
(e) Procedures for regulating, managing, and auditing the operation, financial data, and program information relating to slot machine gaming that allow the commission and the Department of Law Enforcement to audit the operation, financial data, and program information of a slot machine licensee, as required by the commission or the Department of Law Enforcement, and provide the commission and the Department of Law Enforcement with the ability to monitor, at any time on a real-time basis, wagering patterns, payouts, tax collection, and compliance with any rules adopted by the commission for the regulation and control of slot machines operated under this chapter. Such continuous and complete access, at any time on a real-time basis, shall include the ability of either the commission or the Department of Law Enforcement to suspend play immediately on particular slot machines if monitoring of the facilities-based computer system indicates possible tampering or manipulation of those slot machines or the ability to suspend play immediately of the entire operation if the tampering or manipulation is of the computer system itself. The commission shall notify the Department of Law Enforcement or the Department of Law Enforcement shall notify the commission, as appropriate, whenever there is a suspension of play under this paragraph. The commission and the Department of Law Enforcement shall exchange such information necessary for and cooperate in the investigation of the circumstances requiring suspension of play under this paragraph.
(f) Procedures for requiring each licensee at his or her own cost and expense to supply the commission with a bond having the penal sum of $2 million payable to the Governor and his or her successors in office for each year of the licensee’s slot machine operations. Any bond shall be issued by a surety or sureties approved by the commission and the Chief Financial Officer, conditioned to faithfully make the payments to the Chief Financial Officer in his or her capacity as treasurer of the commission. The licensee shall be required to keep its books and records and make reports as provided in this chapter and to conduct its slot machine operations in conformity with this chapter and all other provisions of law. Such bond shall be separate and distinct from the bond required in s. 550.125.
(g) Procedures for requiring licensees to maintain specified records and submit any data, information, record, or report, including financial and income records, required by this chapter or determined by the commission to be necessary to the proper implementation and enforcement of this chapter.
(h) A requirement that the payout percentage of a slot machine be no less than 85 percent.
(i) Minimum standards for security of the facilities, including floor plans, security cameras, and other security equipment.
(j) Procedures for requiring slot machine licensees to implement and establish drug-testing programs for all slot machine occupational licensees.
(2) The commission shall conduct such investigations necessary to fulfill its responsibilities under the provisions of this chapter.
(3) The Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies shall have concurrent jurisdiction to investigate criminal violations of this chapter and may investigate any other criminal violation of law occurring at the facilities of a slot machine licensee, and such investigations may be conducted in conjunction with the appropriate state attorney.
(4)(a) The commission, the Department of Law Enforcement, and local law enforcement agencies shall have unrestricted access to the slot machine licensee’s facility at all times and shall require of each slot machine licensee strict compliance with the laws of this state relating to the transaction of such business. The commission, the Department of Law Enforcement, and local law enforcement agencies may:
1. Inspect and examine premises where slot machines are offered for play.
2. Inspect slot machines and related equipment and supplies.
(b) In addition, the commission may:
1. Collect taxes, assessments, fees, and penalties.
2. Deny, revoke, suspend, or place conditions on the license of a person who violates any provision of this chapter or rule adopted pursuant thereto.
(5) The commission shall revoke or suspend the license of any person who is no longer qualified or who is found, after receiving a license, to have been unqualified at the time of application for the license.
(6) This section does not:
(a) Prohibit the Department of Law Enforcement or any law enforcement authority whose jurisdiction includes a licensed facility from conducting investigations of criminal activities occurring at the facility of the slot machine licensee;
(b) Restrict access to the slot machine licensee’s facility by the Department of Law Enforcement or any local law enforcement authority whose jurisdiction includes the slot machine licensee’s facility; or
(c) Restrict access by the Department of Law Enforcement or local law enforcement authorities to information and records necessary to the investigation of criminal activity that are contained within the slot machine licensee’s facility.
(1) Upon application and a finding by the commission after investigation that the application is complete and the applicant is qualified and payment of the initial license fee, the commission may issue a license to conduct slot machine gaming in the designated slot machine gaming area of the eligible facility. Once licensed, slot machine gaming may be conducted subject to the requirements of this chapter and rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(2) An application may be approved by the commission only after the voters of the county where the applicant’s facility is located have authorized by referendum slot machines within pari-mutuel facilities in that county as specified in s. 23, Art. X of the State Constitution.
(3) A slot machine license may be issued only to a licensed pari-mutuel permitholder, and slot machine gaming may be conducted only at the eligible facility at which the permitholder is authorized under its valid pari-mutuel wagering permit to conduct pari-mutuel wagering activities.
(4) As a condition of licensure and to maintain continued authority for the conduct of slot machine gaming, the slot machine licensee shall:
(a) Continue to be in compliance with this chapter.
(b) Continue to be in compliance with chapter 550, when applicable, and maintain the pari-mutuel permit and license in good standing pursuant to chapter 550.
(c) If a thoroughbred permitholder, conduct no fewer than a full schedule of live racing or games as defined in s. 550.002(10). A permitholder’s responsibility to conduct live races or games shall be reduced by the number of races or games that could not be conducted due to the direct result of fire, strike, war, hurricane, pandemic, or other disaster or event beyond the control of the permitholder.
(d) Upon approval of any changes relating to the pari-mutuel permit by the commission, be responsible for providing appropriate current and accurate documentation on a timely basis to the commission in order to continue the slot machine license in good standing. Changes in ownership or interest of a slot machine license of 5 percent or more of the stock or other evidence of ownership or equity in the slot machine license or any parent corporation or other business entity that in any way owns or controls the slot machine license shall be approved by the commission prior to such change, unless the owner is an existing holder of that license who was previously approved by the commission. Changes in ownership or interest of a slot machine license of less than 5 percent, unless such change results in a cumulative total of 5 percent or more, shall be reported to the commission within 20 days after the change. The commission may then conduct an investigation to ensure that the license is properly updated to show the change in ownership or interest. No reporting is required if the person is holding 5 percent or less equity or securities of a corporate owner of the slot machine licensee that has its securities registered pursuant to s. 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. ss. 78a-78kk, and if such corporation or entity files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission the reports required by s. 13 of that act or if the securities of the corporation or entity are regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States. A change in ownership or interest of less than 5 percent which results in a cumulative ownership or interest of 5 percent or more shall be approved by the commission prior to such change unless the owner is an existing holder of the license who was previously approved by the commission.
(e) Allow the commission and the Department of Law Enforcement unrestricted access to and right of inspection of facilities of a slot machine licensee in which any activity relative to the conduct of slot machine gaming is conducted.
(f) Ensure that the facilities-based computer system that the licensee will use for operational and accounting functions of the slot machine facility is specifically structured to facilitate regulatory oversight. The facilities-based computer system shall be designed to provide the commission and the Department of Law Enforcement with the ability to monitor, at any time on a real-time basis, the wagering patterns, payouts, tax collection, and such other operations as necessary to determine whether the facility is in compliance with statutory provisions and rules adopted by the commission for the regulation and control of slot machine gaming. The commission and the Department of Law Enforcement shall have complete and continuous access to this system. Such access shall include the ability of either the commission or the Department of Law Enforcement to suspend play immediately on particular slot machines if monitoring of the system indicates possible tampering or manipulation of those slot machines or the ability to suspend play immediately of the entire operation if the tampering or manipulation is of the computer system itself. The computer system shall be reviewed and approved by the commission to ensure necessary access, security, and functionality. The commission may adopt rules to provide for the approval process.
(g) Ensure that each slot machine is protected from manipulation or tampering to affect the random probabilities of winning plays. The commission or the Department of Law Enforcement shall have the authority to suspend play upon reasonable suspicion of any manipulation or tampering. When play has been suspended on any slot machine, the commission or the Department of Law Enforcement may examine any slot machine to determine whether the machine has been tampered with or manipulated and whether the machine should be returned to operation.
(h) Submit a security plan, including the facilities’ floor plan, the locations of security cameras, and a listing of all security equipment that is capable of observing and electronically recording activities being conducted in the facilities of the slot machine licensee. The security plan must meet the minimum security requirements as determined by the commission under s. 551.103(1)(i) and be implemented prior to operation of slot machine gaming. The slot machine licensee’s facilities must adhere to the security plan at all times. Any changes to the security plan must be submitted by the licensee to the commission prior to implementation. The commission shall furnish copies of the security plan and changes in the plan to the Department of Law Enforcement.
(i) Create and file with the commission a written policy for:
1. Creating opportunities to purchase from vendors in this state, including minority vendors.
2. Creating opportunities for employment of residents of this state, including minority residents.
3. Ensuring opportunities for construction services from minority contractors.
4. Ensuring that opportunities for employment are offered on an equal, nondiscriminatory basis.
5. Training for employees on responsible gaming and working with a compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program to further its purposes as provided for in s. 551.118.
6. The implementation of a drug-testing program that includes, but is not limited to, requiring each employee to sign an agreement that he or she understands that the slot machine facility is a drug-free workplace.
The slot machine licensee shall use the Internet-based job-listing system of the Department of Commerce in advertising employment opportunities. Each slot machine licensee shall provide an annual report to the Florida Gaming Control Commission containing information indicating compliance with this paragraph in regard to minority persons.
(j) Ensure that the payout percentage of a slot machine gaming facility is at least 85 percent.
(5) A slot machine license is not transferable.
(6) A slot machine licensee shall keep and maintain permanent daily records of its slot machine operation and shall maintain such records for a period of not less than 5 years. These records must include all financial transactions and contain sufficient detail to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter. All records shall be available for audit and inspection by the commission, the Department of Law Enforcement, or other law enforcement agencies during the licensee’s regular business hours.
(7) A slot machine licensee shall file with the commission a monthly report containing the required records of such slot machine operation. The required reports shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the commission and shall be due at the same time as the monthly pari-mutuel reports are due to the commission, and the reports shall be deemed public records once filed.
(8) A slot machine licensee shall file with the commission an audit of the receipt and distribution of all slot machine revenues provided by an independent certified public accountant licensed under chapter 473 verifying compliance with all financial and auditing provisions of this chapter and associated rules. The audit must include verification of compliance with all statutes and rules regarding all required records of slot machine operations. Such audit must be filed within 120 days after the end of the slot machine licensee’s fiscal year.
(9) The commission may share any information with the Department of Law Enforcement, any other law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over slot machine gaming or pari-mutuel activities, or any other state or federal law enforcement agency the commission or the Department of Law Enforcement deems appropriate. Any law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over slot machine gaming or pari-mutuel activities may share any information obtained or developed by it with the commission.
(10)(a)1. No slot machine license or renewal thereof shall be issued to an applicant holding a permit under chapter 550 to conduct pari-mutuel wagering meets of thoroughbred racing unless the applicant has on file with the commission a binding written agreement between the applicant and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc., governing the payment of purses on live thoroughbred races conducted at the licensee’s pari-mutuel facility. In addition, no slot machine license or renewal thereof shall be issued to such an applicant unless the applicant has on file with the commission a binding written agreement between the applicant and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Inc., governing the payment of breeders’, stallion, and special racing awards on live thoroughbred races conducted at the licensee’s pari-mutuel facility. The agreement governing purses and the agreement governing awards may direct the payment of such purses and awards from revenues generated by any wagering or gaming the applicant is authorized to conduct under Florida law. All purses and awards shall be subject to the terms of chapter 550. All sums for breeders’, stallion, and special racing awards shall be remitted monthly to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Inc., for the payment of awards subject to the administrative fee authorized in s. 550.2625(3).
2. No slot machine license or renewal thereof shall be issued to an applicant holding a permit under chapter 550 to conduct pari-mutuel wagering meets of quarter horse racing unless the applicant has on file with the commission a binding written agreement between the applicant and the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association or the association representing a majority of the horse owners and trainers at the applicant’s eligible facility, governing the payment of purses on live quarter horse races conducted at the licensee’s pari-mutuel facility. The agreement governing purses may direct the payment of such purses from revenues generated by any wagering or gaming the applicant is authorized to conduct under Florida law. All purses shall be subject to the terms of chapter 550.
(b) The commission shall suspend a slot machine license if one or more of the agreements required under paragraph (a) are terminated or otherwise cease to operate or if the commission determines that the licensee is materially failing to comply with the terms of such an agreement. Any such suspension shall take place in accordance with chapter 120.
(c)1. If an agreement required under paragraph (a) cannot be reached prior to the initial issuance of the slot machine license, either party may request arbitration or, in the case of a renewal, if an agreement required under paragraph (a) is not in place 120 days prior to the scheduled expiration date of the slot machine license, the applicant shall immediately ask the American Arbitration Association to furnish a list of 11 arbitrators, each of whom shall have at least 5 years of commercial arbitration experience and no financial interest in or prior relationship with any of the parties or their affiliated or related entities or principals. Each required party to the agreement shall select a single arbitrator from the list provided by the American Arbitration Association within 10 days of receipt, and the individuals so selected shall choose one additional arbitrator from the list within the next 10 days.
2. If an agreement required under paragraph (a) is not in place 60 days after the request under subparagraph 1. in the case of an initial slot machine license or, in the case of a renewal, 60 days prior to the scheduled expiration date of the slot machine license, the matter shall be immediately submitted to mandatory binding arbitration to resolve the disagreement between the parties. The three arbitrators selected pursuant to subparagraph 1. shall constitute the panel that shall arbitrate the dispute between the parties pursuant to the American Arbitration Association Commercial Arbitration Rules and chapter 682.
3. At the conclusion of the proceedings, which shall be no later than 90 days after the request under subparagraph 1. in the case of an initial slot machine license or, in the case of a renewal, 30 days prior to the scheduled expiration date of the slot machine license, the arbitration panel shall present to the parties a proposed agreement that the majority of the panel believes equitably balances the rights, interests, obligations, and reasonable expectations of the parties. The parties shall immediately enter into such agreement, which shall satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a) and permit issuance of the pending annual slot machine license or renewal. The agreement produced by the arbitration panel under this subparagraph shall be effective until the last day of the license or renewal period or until the parties enter into a different agreement. Each party shall pay its respective costs of arbitration and shall pay one-half of the costs of the arbitration panel, unless the parties otherwise agree. If the agreement produced by the arbitration panel under this subparagraph remains in place 120 days prior to the scheduled issuance of the next annual license renewal, then the arbitration process established in this paragraph will begin again.
4. In the event that neither of the agreements required under subparagraph (a)1. or the agreement required under subparagraph (a)2. are in place by the deadlines established in this paragraph, arbitration regarding each agreement will proceed independently, with separate lists of arbitrators, arbitration panels, arbitration proceedings, and resulting agreements.
5. With respect to the agreements required under paragraph (a) governing the payment of purses, the arbitration and resulting agreement called for under this paragraph shall be limited to the payment of purses from slot machine revenues only.
(d) If any provision of this subsection or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this subsection or chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this subsection are severable.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of s. 120.60 to the contrary, the commission may issue a temporary occupational license upon the receipt of a complete application from the applicant and a determination that the applicant has not been convicted of or had adjudication withheld on any disqualifying criminal offense. The temporary occupational license remains valid until such time as the commission grants an occupational license or notifies the applicant of its intended decision to deny the applicant a license pursuant to the provisions of s. 120.60. The commission shall adopt rules to administer this subsection. However, not more than one temporary license may be issued for any person in any year.
(2) A temporary license issued under this section is nontransferable.
(1) Slot machine licenses shall be effective for 1 year after issuance and shall be renewed annually. The application for renewal must contain all revisions to the information submitted in the prior year’s application that are necessary to maintain such information as both accurate and current.
(2) The applicant for renewal shall attest that any information changes do not affect the applicant’s qualifications for license renewal.
(3) Upon determination by the commission that the application for renewal is complete and qualifications have been met, including payment of the renewal fee, the slot machine license shall be renewed annually.
(a) Upon submission of the initial application for a slot machine license and annually thereafter, on the anniversary date of the issuance of the initial license, the licensee must pay to the commission a nonrefundable license fee of $3 million for the succeeding 12 months of licensure. The licensee must pay the commission a nonrefundable license fee of $2 million for the succeeding 12 months of licensure. The license fee shall be deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund to be used by the commission and the Department of Law Enforcement for investigations, regulation of slot machine gaming, and enforcement of slot machine gaming provisions under this chapter. These payments shall be accounted for separately from taxes or fees paid pursuant to the provisions of chapter 550.
(b) Before January 1, 2026, the commission shall evaluate the license fee and shall make recommendations to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives regarding the optimum level of slot machine license fees in order to adequately support the slot machine regulatory program.
(2) TAX ON SLOT MACHINE REVENUES.—
(a) The tax rate on slot machine revenues at each facility shall be 35 percent. If, during any state fiscal year, the aggregate amount of tax paid to the state by all slot machine licensees in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties is less than the aggregate amount of tax paid to the state by all slot machine licensees in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, each slot machine licensee shall pay to the state within 45 days after the end of the state fiscal year a surcharge equal to its pro rata share of an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate amount of tax paid to the state by all slot machine licensees in the 2008-2009 fiscal year and the amount of tax paid during the fiscal year. Each licensee’s pro rata share shall be an amount determined by dividing the number 1 by the number of facilities licensed to operate slot machines during the applicable fiscal year, regardless of whether the facility is operating such machines.
(b) The slot machine revenue tax imposed by this section shall be paid to the commission for deposit into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund for immediate transfer by the Chief Financial Officer for deposit into the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of the Department of Education. Any interest earnings on the tax revenues shall also be transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
(c)1. Funds transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund under paragraph (b) shall be used to supplement public education funding statewide.
2. If necessary to comply with any covenant established pursuant to s. 1013.68(4), s. 1013.70(1), or s. 1013.737(3), funds transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund under paragraph (b) shall first be available to pay debt service on lottery bonds issued to fund school construction in the event lottery revenues are insufficient for such purpose or to satisfy debt service reserve requirements established in connection with lottery bonds. Moneys available pursuant to this subparagraph are subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature.
(3) PAYMENT AND DISPOSITION OF TAXES.—Payment for the tax on slot machine revenues imposed by this section shall be paid to the commission. The commission shall deposit these sums with the Chief Financial Officer, to the credit of the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. The slot machine licensee shall remit to the commission payment for the tax on slot machine revenues. Such payments shall be remitted by 3 p.m. Wednesday of each week for taxes imposed and collected for the preceding week ending on Sunday. Beginning on July 1, 2012, the slot machine licensee shall remit to the commission payment for the tax on slot machine revenues by 3 p.m. on the 5th day of each calendar month for taxes imposed and collected for the preceding calendar month. If the 5th day of the calendar month falls on a weekend, payments shall be remitted by 3 p.m. the first Monday following the weekend. The slot machine licensee shall file a report under oath by the 5th day of each calendar month for all taxes remitted during the preceding calendar month. Such payments shall be accompanied by a report under oath showing all slot machine gaming activities for the preceding calendar month and such other information as may be prescribed by the commission.
(4) TO PAY TAX; PENALTIES.—A slot machine licensee who fails to make tax payments as required under this section is subject to an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 for each day the tax payment is not remitted. All administrative penalties imposed and collected shall be deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. If any slot machine licensee fails to pay penalties imposed by order of the commission under this subsection, the commission may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of the slot machine licensee.
(5) SUBMISSION OF FUNDS.—The commission may require slot machine licensees to remit taxes, fees, fines, and assessments by electronic funds transfer.
(1) The Legislature finds that individuals and entities that are licensed under this section require heightened state scrutiny, including the submission by the individual licensees or persons associated with the entities described in this chapter of fingerprints for a criminal history record check.
(2)(a) The following slot machine occupational licenses shall be issued to persons or entities that, by virtue of the positions they hold, might be granted access to slot machine gaming areas or to any other person or entity in one of the following categories:
1. General occupational licenses for general employees, including food service, maintenance, and other similar service and support employees having access to the slot machine gaming area.
2. Professional occupational licenses for any person, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other entity that is authorized by a slot machine licensee to manage, oversee, or otherwise control daily operations as a slot machine manager, a floor supervisor, security personnel, or any other similar position of oversight of gaming operations, or any person who is not an employee of the slot machine licensee and who provides maintenance, repair, or upgrades or otherwise services a slot machine or other slot machine equipment.
3. Business occupational licenses for any slot machine management company or company associated with slot machine gaming, any person who manufactures, distributes, or sells slot machines, slot machine paraphernalia, or other associated equipment to slot machine licensees, or any company that sells or provides goods or services associated with slot machine gaming to slot machine licensees.
(b) The commission may issue one license to combine licenses under this section with pari-mutuel occupational licenses and cardroom licenses pursuant to s. 550.105(2)(b). The commission shall adopt rules pertaining to occupational licenses under this subsection. Such rules may specify, but need not be limited to, requirements and restrictions for licensed occupations and categories, procedures to apply for any license or combination of licenses, disqualifying criminal offenses for a licensed occupation or categories of occupations, and which types of occupational licenses may be combined into a single license under this section. The fingerprinting requirements of subsection (7) apply to any combination license that includes slot machine license privileges under this section. The commission may not adopt a rule allowing the issuance of an occupational license to any person who does not meet the minimum background qualifications under this section.
(c) Slot machine occupational licenses are not transferable.
(3) A slot machine licensee may not employ or otherwise allow a person to work at a licensed facility unless such person holds the appropriate valid occupational license. A slot machine licensee may not contract or otherwise do business with a business required to hold a slot machine occupational license unless the business holds such a license. A slot machine licensee may not employ or otherwise allow a person to work in a supervisory or management professional level at a licensed facility unless such person holds a valid slot machine occupational license. All slot machine occupational licensees, while present in slot machine gaming areas, shall display on their persons their occupational license identification cards.
(4)(a) A person seeking a slot machine occupational license or renewal thereof shall make application on forms prescribed by the commission and include payment of the appropriate application fee. Initial and renewal applications for slot machine occupational licenses must contain all information that the commission, by rule, determines is required to ensure eligibility.
(b) A slot machine license or combination license is valid for the same term as a pari-mutuel occupational license issued pursuant to s. 550.105(1).
(c) Pursuant to rules adopted by the commission, any person may apply for and, if qualified, be issued a slot machine occupational license valid for a period of 3 years upon payment of the full occupational license fee for each of the 3 years for which the license is issued. The slot machine occupational license is valid during its specified term at any licensed facility where slot machine gaming is authorized to be conducted.
(d) The slot machine occupational license fee for initial application and annual renewal shall be determined by rule of the commission but may not exceed $50 for a general or professional occupational license for an employee of the slot machine licensee or $1,000 for a business occupational license for nonemployees of the licensee providing goods or services to the slot machine licensee. License fees for general occupational licensees shall be paid by the slot machine licensee. Failure to pay the required fee constitutes grounds for disciplinary action by the commission against the slot machine licensee, but it is not a violation of this chapter or rules of the commission by the general occupational licensee and does not prohibit the initial issuance or the renewal of the general occupational license.
(5) The commission may:
(a) Deny an application for, or revoke, suspend, or place conditions or restrictions on, a license of a person or entity that has been refused a license by any other state gaming commission, governmental department, agency, or other authority exercising regulatory jurisdiction over the gaming of another state or jurisdiction; or
(b) Deny an application for, or suspend or place conditions on, a license of any person or entity that is under suspension or has unpaid fines in another state or jurisdiction.
(6)(a) The commission may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any slot machine occupational license if the applicant for such license or the licensee has violated the provisions of this chapter or the rules of the commission governing the conduct of persons connected with slot machine gaming. In addition, the commission may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any slot machine occupational license if the applicant for such license or the licensee has been convicted in this state, in any other state, or under the laws of the United States of a capital felony, a felony, or an offense in any other state that would be a felony under the laws of this state involving arson; trafficking in, conspiracy to traffic in, smuggling, importing, conspiracy to smuggle or import, or delivery, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance; racketeering; or a crime involving a lack of good moral character, or has had a gaming license revoked by this state or any other jurisdiction for any gaming-related offense.
(b) The commission may deny, revoke, or refuse to renew any slot machine occupational license if the applicant for such license or the licensee has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state, in any other state, or under the laws of the United States if such felony or misdemeanor is related to gambling or bookmaking as described in s. 849.25. The restrictions authorized in this paragraph may be waived by the commission if the applicant establishes that she or he is of good moral character, that she or he has been rehabilitated, and that the crime she or he was convicted of is not related to slot machine gaming and is not a capital offense.
(c) For purposes of this subsection, the term “convicted” means having been found guilty, with or without adjudication of guilt, as a result of a jury verdict, nonjury trial, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
(7) Fingerprints for all slot machine occupational license applications shall be taken in a manner approved by the commission and shall be submitted electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing for a criminal history record check. All persons as specified in s. 550.1815(1)(a) employed by or working within a licensed premises shall submit fingerprints for a criminal history record check and may not have been convicted of any disqualifying criminal offenses specified in subsection (6). Commission employees and law enforcement officers assigned by their employing agencies to work within the premises as part of their official duties are excluded from the criminal history record check requirements under this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, the term “convicted” means having been found guilty, with or without adjudication of guilt, as a result of a jury verdict, nonjury trial, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
(a) Fingerprints shall be taken in a manner approved by the commission upon initial application, or as required thereafter by rule of the commission, and shall be submitted electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing. The Department of Law Enforcement shall forward the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing. The results of the criminal history record check shall be returned to the commission for purposes of screening. Licensees shall provide necessary equipment approved by the Department of Law Enforcement to facilitate such electronic submission. The commission requirements under this subsection shall be instituted in consultation with the Department of Law Enforcement.
(b) The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a criminal history record check for a general occupational license shall be borne by the slot machine licensee. The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a criminal history record check for a business or professional occupational license shall be borne by the person being checked. The Department of Law Enforcement may invoice the commission for the fingerprints submitted each month.
(c) All fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement and required by this section shall be retained by the Department of Law Enforcement and entered into the statewide automated biometric identification system as authorized by s. 943.05(2)(b) and shall be available for all purposes and uses authorized for arrest fingerprints entered into the statewide automated biometric identification system pursuant to s. 943.051.
(d) The Department of Law Enforcement shall search all arrest fingerprints received pursuant to s. 943.051 against the fingerprints retained in the statewide automated biometric identification system under paragraph (c). Any arrest record that is identified with the retained fingerprints of a person subject to the criminal history screening requirements of this section shall be reported to the commission. Each licensed facility shall pay a fee to the commission for the cost of retention of the fingerprints and the ongoing searches under this paragraph. The commission shall forward the payment to the Department of Law Enforcement. The amount of the fee to be imposed for performing these searches and the procedures for the retention of licensee fingerprints shall be as established by rule of the Department of Law Enforcement. The commission shall inform the Department of Law Enforcement of any change in the license status of licensees whose fingerprints are retained under paragraph (c).
(e) The commission shall request the Department of Law Enforcement to forward the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check every 3 years following issuance of a license. If the fingerprints of a person who is licensed have not been retained by the Department of Law Enforcement, the person must file a complete set of fingerprints as provided for in paragraph (a). The commission shall collect the fees for the cost of the national criminal history record check under this paragraph and shall forward the payment to the Department of Law Enforcement. The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a criminal history record check under this paragraph for a general occupational license shall be borne by the slot machine licensee. The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a criminal history record check under this paragraph for a business or professional occupational license shall be borne by the person being checked. The Department of Law Enforcement may invoice the commission for the fingerprints submitted each month. Under penalty of perjury, each person who is licensed or who is fingerprinted as required by this section must agree to inform the commission within 48 hours if he or she is convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any disqualifying offense, regardless of adjudication.
(8) All moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund.
(9) The commission may deny, revoke, or suspend any occupational license if the applicant or holder of the license accumulates unpaid obligations, defaults in obligations, or issues drafts or checks that are dishonored or for which payment is refused without reasonable cause.
(10) The commission may fine or suspend, revoke, or place conditions upon the license of any licensee who provides false information under oath regarding an application for a license or an investigation by the commission.
(11) The commission may impose a civil fine of up to $5,000 for each violation of this chapter or the rules of the commission in addition to or in lieu of any other penalty provided for in this section. The commission may adopt a penalty schedule for violations of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter for which it would impose a fine in lieu of a suspension and adopt rules allowing for the issuance of citations, including procedures to address such citations, to persons who violate such rules. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the commission may exclude from all licensed slot machine facilities in this state, for a period not to exceed the period of suspension, revocation, or ineligibility, any person whose occupational license application has been declared ineligible to hold an occupational license or whose occupational license has been suspended or revoked by the commission.
(1) A person employed by or performing any function on behalf of the commission may not:
(a) Be an officer, director, owner, or employee of any person or entity licensed by the commission.
(b) Have or hold any interest, direct or indirect, in or engage in any commerce or business relationship with any person licensed by the commission.
(2) A manufacturer or distributor of slot machines may not enter into any contract with a slot machine licensee that provides for any revenue sharing of any kind or nature that is directly or indirectly calculated on the basis of a percentage of slot machine revenues. Any maneuver, shift, or device whereby this subsection is violated is a violation of this chapter and renders any such agreement void.
(3) A manufacturer or distributor of slot machines or any equipment necessary for the operation of slot machines or an officer, director, or employee of any such manufacturer or distributor may not have any ownership or financial interest in a slot machine license or in any business owned by the slot machine licensee.
(4) An employee of the commission or relative living in the same household as such employee of the commission may not wager at any time on a slot machine located at a facility licensed by the commission.
(5) An occupational licensee or relative living in the same household as such occupational licensee may not wager at any time on a slot machine located at a facility where that person is employed.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by law and in addition to any other penalty, any person who knowingly makes or causes to be made, or aids, assists, or procures another to make, a false statement in any report, disclosure, application, or any other document required under this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter is subject to an administrative fine or civil penalty of up to $10,000.
(2) Except as otherwise provided by law and in addition to any other penalty, any person who possesses a slot machine without the license required by this chapter or who possesses a slot machine at any location other than at the slot machine licensee’s facility is subject to an administrative fine or civil penalty of up to $10,000 per machine. The prohibition in this subsection does not apply to:
(a) Slot machine manufacturers or slot machine distributors that hold appropriate licenses issued by the commission who are authorized to maintain a slot machine storage and maintenance facility at any location in a county in which slot machine gaming is authorized by this chapter. The commission may adopt rules regarding security and access to the storage facility and inspections by the commission.
(b) Certified educational facilities that are authorized to maintain slot machines for the sole purpose of education and licensure, if any, of slot machine technicians, inspectors, or investigators. The commission and the Department of Law Enforcement may possess slot machines for training and testing purposes. The commission may adopt rules regarding the regulation of any such slot machines used for educational, training, or testing purposes.
(3) Any person who knowingly excludes, or takes any action in an attempt to exclude, anything of value from the deposit, counting, collection, or computation of revenues from slot machine activity, or any person who by trick, sleight-of-hand performance, a fraud or fraudulent scheme, or device wins or attempts to win, for himself or herself or for another, money or property or a combination thereof or reduces or attempts to reduce a losing wager in connection with slot machine gaming commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4) Any person who manipulates or attempts to manipulate the outcome, payoff, or operation of a slot machine by physical tampering or by use of any object, instrument, or device, whether mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or involving other means, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(5) Theft of any slot machine proceeds or of property belonging to the slot machine operator or licensed facility by an employee of the operator or facility or by an employee of a person, firm, or entity that has contracted to provide services to the operator or facility constitutes a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(6)(a) Any law enforcement officer or slot machine operator who has probable cause to believe that a violation of subsection (3), subsection (4), or subsection (5) has been committed by a person and that the officer or operator can recover the lost proceeds from such activity by taking the person into custody may, for the purpose of attempting to effect such recovery or for prosecution, take the person into custody on the premises and detain the person in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable period of time. If the operator takes the person into custody, a law enforcement officer shall be called to the scene immediately. The taking into custody and detention by a law enforcement officer or slot machine operator, if done in compliance with this subsection, does not render such law enforcement officer, or the officer’s agency, or the slot machine operator criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.
(b) Any law enforcement officer may arrest, either on or off the premises and without warrant, any person if there is probable cause to believe that person has violated subsection (3), subsection (4), or subsection (5).
(c) Any person who resists the reasonable effort of a law enforcement officer or slot machine operator to recover the lost slot machine proceeds that the law enforcement officer or slot machine operator had probable cause to believe had been stolen from the licensed facility and who is subsequently found to be guilty of violating subsection (3), subsection (4), or subsection (5) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, unless such person did not know or did not have reason to know that the person seeking to recover the lost proceeds was a law enforcement officer or slot machine operator.
(7) All penalties imposed and collected under this section must be deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund.
551.111 Legal devices.—Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a slot machine manufactured, sold, distributed, possessed, or operated according to the provisions of this chapter is not unlawful.
551.112 Exclusions of certain persons.—In addition to the power to exclude certain persons from any facility of a slot machine licensee in this state, the commission may exclude any person from any facility of a slot machine licensee in this state for conduct that would constitute, if the person were a licensee, a violation of this chapter or the rules of the commission. The commission may exclude from any facility of a slot machine licensee any person who has been ejected from a facility of a slot machine licensee in this state or who has been excluded from any facility of a slot machine licensee or gaming facility in another state by the governmental department, agency, commission, or authority exercising regulatory jurisdiction over the gaming in such other state. This section does not abrogate the common law right of a slot machine licensee to exclude a patron absolutely in this state.
551.113 Persons prohibited from playing slot machines.—
(1) A person who has not attained 21 years of age may not play or operate a slot machine or have access to the designated slot machine gaming area of a facility of a slot machine licensee.
(2) A slot machine licensee or agent or employee of a slot machine licensee may not knowingly allow a person who has not attained 21 years of age:
(a) To play or operate any slot machine.
(b) To be employed in any position allowing or requiring access to the designated slot machine gaming area of a facility of a slot machine licensee.
(c) To have access to the designated slot machine gaming area of a facility of a slot machine licensee.
(3) The licensed facility shall post clear and conspicuous signage within the designated slot machine gaming areas that states the following:
THE PLAYING OF SLOT MACHINES BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 IS AGAINST FLORIDA LAW (SECTION 551.113, FLORIDA STATUTES). PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED AT ANY TIME.
(1) A slot machine licensee may make available for play up to 2,000 slot machines within the property of the facilities of the slot machine licensee.
(2) The slot machine licensee shall display pari-mutuel races or games within the designated slot machine gaming areas and offer patrons within the designated slot machine gaming areas the ability to engage in pari-mutuel wagering on live, intertrack, and simulcast races conducted or offered to patrons of the licensed facility.
(3) The commission shall require the posting of signs warning of the risks and dangers of gambling, showing the odds of winning, and informing patrons of the toll-free telephone number available to provide information and referral services regarding compulsive or problem gambling.
(4) Designated slot machine gaming areas must be located at the address specified in the licensed permitholder’s slot machine license issued for fiscal year 2020-2021.
(5) The permitholder shall provide adequate office space at no cost to the commission and the Department of Law Enforcement for the oversight of slot machine operations. The commission shall adopt rules establishing the criteria for adequate space, configuration, and location and needed electronic and technological requirements for office space required by this subsection.
551.117 Penalties.—The commission may revoke or suspend any slot machine license issued under this chapter upon the willful violation by the slot machine licensee of any provision of this chapter or of any rule adopted under this chapter. In lieu of suspending or revoking a slot machine license, the commission may impose a civil penalty against the slot machine licensee for a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted by the commission. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the penalty so imposed may not exceed $100,000 for each count or separate offense. All penalties imposed and collected must be deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund.
551.118 Compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program.—
(1) The slot machine licensee shall offer training to employees on responsible gaming and shall work with a compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program to recognize problem gaming situations and to implement responsible gaming programs and practices.
(2) The commission shall, subject to competitive bidding, contract for provision of services related to the prevention of compulsive and addictive gambling. The contract shall provide for an advertising program to encourage responsible gaming practices and to publicize a gambling telephone help line. Such advertisements must be made both publicly and inside the designated slot machine gaming areas of the licensee’s facilities. The terms of any contract for the provision of such services shall include accountability standards that must be met by any private provider. The failure of any private provider to meet any material terms of the contract, including the accountability standards, shall constitute a breach of contract or grounds for nonrenewal. The commission may consult with the Department of the Lottery in the development of the program and the development and analysis of any procurement for contractual services for the compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program.
(3) The compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program shall be funded from an annual nonrefundable regulatory fee of $250,000 paid by the licensee to the commission.
551.119 Caterer’s license.—A slot machine licensee is entitled to a caterer’s license pursuant to s. 565.02 on days on which the pari-mutuel facility is open to the public for slot machine game play as authorized by this chapter.
551.121 Prohibited activities and devices; exceptions.—
(1) Complimentary or reduced-cost alcoholic beverages may not be served to persons playing a slot machine. Alcoholic beverages served to persons playing a slot machine shall cost at least the same amount as alcoholic beverages served to the general public at a bar within the facility.
(2) A slot machine licensee may not make any loan, provide credit, or advance cash in order to enable a person to play a slot machine. This subsection shall not prohibit automated ticket redemption machines that dispense cash resulting from the redemption of tickets from being located in the designated slot machine gaming area of the slot machine licensee.
(3) A slot machine licensee may not allow any automated teller machine or similar device designed to provide credit or dispense cash to be located within the designated slot machine gaming areas of a facility of a slot machine licensee.
(4)(a) A slot machine licensee may not accept or cash any check from any person within the designated slot machine gaming areas of a facility of a slot machine licensee.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) for employees of the facility, a slot machine licensee or operator shall not accept or cash for any person within the property of the facility any government-issued check, third-party check, or payroll check made payable to an individual.
(c) Outside the designated slot machine gaming areas, a slot machine licensee or operator may accept or cash a check for an employee of the facility who is prohibited from wagering on a slot machine under s. 551.108(5), a check made directly payable to a person licensed by the commission, or a check made directly payable to the slot machine licensee or operator from:
1. A pari-mutuel patron; or
2. A pari-mutuel facility in this state or in another state.
(d) Unless accepting or cashing a check is prohibited by this subsection, nothing shall prohibit a slot machine licensee or operator from accepting and depositing in its accounts checks received in the normal course of business.
(5) A slot machine, or the computer operating system linking the slot machine, may be linked by any means to any other slot machine or computer operating system within the facility of a slot machine licensee. A progressive system may be used in conjunction with slot machines between licensed facilities in Florida or in other jurisdictions.
(6) A slot machine located within a licensed facility shall accept only tickets or paper currency or an electronic payment system for wagering and return or deliver payouts to the player in the form of tickets that may be exchanged for cash, merchandise, or other items of value. The use of coins, credit or debit cards, tokens, or similar objects is specifically prohibited. However, an electronic credit system may be used for receiving wagers and making payouts.
551.123 Legislative authority; administration of chapter.—The Legislature finds and declares that it has exclusive authority over the conduct of all wagering occurring at a slot machine facility in this state. As provided by law, only the Florida Gaming Control Commission and other authorized state agencies shall administer this chapter and regulate the slot machine gaming industry, including operation of slot machine facilities, games, slot machines, and facilities-based computer systems authorized in this chapter and the rules adopted by the commission.
