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HSB 21

A bill for an act relating to illegal gaming, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HSB 21 - Illegal Gaming Penalties OverviewBill Number: HSB 21 Title: A bill for an act relating to illegal gaming, and making penalties applicable. Status: Committee report appro

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 850.
#criminallaw #gambling #sportswagering
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Bill Summary · HSB 21

HSB 21 - Illegal Gaming Penalties

Overview

Bill Number: HSB 21
Title: A bill for an act relating to illegal gaming, and making penalties applicable.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 850.
Introduced: January 15, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of this bill is to strengthen penalties and enforcement against illegal gambling activities in the state. The legislation aims to deter the proliferation of unlawful gaming operations, which have been a growing concern for law enforcement and regulatory authorities.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes new criminal offenses and penalties for operating or participating in illegal gambling enterprises:
    • Class D felony for owning, operating, or conducting an unlawful gambling business
    • Serious misdemeanor for knowingly participating in or placing bets with an illegal gambling operation
  • Grants expanded investigative and enforcement powers to the state's Division of Criminal Investigation to identify and shut down illicit gaming activities.
  • Requires financial institutions to monitor, report, and restrict transactions linked to suspected illegal gambling operations.
  • Directs a portion of fines and asset forfeitures from illegal gambling cases to fund problem gambling treatment and prevention programs.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Owners, operators, and patrons of unlawful gambling businesses would face heightened criminal penalties, including potential prison time and asset seizures.
  • Financial institutions would have new compliance obligations to detect and disrupt illegal gaming-related transactions.
  • State and local law enforcement agencies would have enhanced tools and resources to target and dismantle underground gambling networks.
  • Problem gambling treatment and prevention services would receive additional funding from fines and asset forfeitures.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been approved by the relevant legislative committee and renumbered as HF 850. It will now proceed to the full House for consideration and a vote. If passed by the House, the bill would then move to the Senate for further review and potential amendments before a final vote. If enacted, the new illegal gaming penalties and enforcement provisions would take effect 90 days after the governor's signature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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