Skill Over Chance: Florida’s Gambling Bill Leaves Room for Skill-Based Games Like Mahjong

Florida has proposed a bill to specify regulation around online gambling and chance-based wagering. The legislation was extended from May 2nd to the 6^th of June by state lawmakers, yet the implementation of the new regulation is uncertain. While the regulation’s focus lies on internet and chance-based games, players might be able to find a loophole for legal alternatives to slot machines and sportsbooks. With advancing technology, online casinos and social-gaming apps are rising in popularity, a major contributor to Florida expanding the regulations surrounding gambling. However, some online games, which involve low risks and are skill-based, could be a welcome alternative that fits within Florida’s statutes.

The talk is about Mahjong, a 200-year-old tile game originating from China. The game requires logical thinking, strategy, memory, and pattern recognition. Unlike other casino games such as slot machines or roulette, Mahjong is a skill-based game, rather than gambling on luck. The defining factor for winning or losing is almost entirely the player’s decisions, calculations, and skill. That distinction between chance and skill-based is what creates potential for Mahjong as a casino game, since it only falls loosely into Florida’s gaming definitions. Many locals recommend to play at Mahjong365, as it is a site that is trusted by many industry leaders and even shares guides and strategy tips.

A Bill-Breakdown for Legal Gambling

The Senate Bill 1404 is a proposed law by Senator Corey Simon to strengthen the regulations that are already in place in Florida. Rather than loosening certain laws, it focuses on restricting and defining them more precisely. Despite the hopes of many, the bill doesn’t suggest any further legalization of any new forms of gambling. Instead, it focuses on previously unregulated or semi-unregulated activities, especially gambling activities that take place online. In Section 849.08, the bill explicitly prohibits online gambling and sports betting. There is only one narrow exception: activities involving gaming devices are only legal if they are operated under an agreement between the Indian tribe and the state. Offering or operating gambling platforms is considered a criminal offense, and even placing a bet can constitute an administrative offense.

The bill primarily focuses on eliminating sweepstakes-style casinos, which often operate under the guise of selling products or offering free gameplay while providing games of chance. Section 849.11 outlaws “any game of chance by lot or with dice, cards, numbers, hazards or any other gambling device […] for, or under the pretext of, a sale, gift or delivery thereof […]”. Because the law prohibits the offering of gambling under the guise of a sale or gift, it implicitly targets sweepstakes casinos. The bill also imposes stricter penalties for operating or participating in unauthorized gambling establishments and increases the consequences for repeat offenders.

To minimize the risk of cheating and illegal betting, the bill introduces new criminal offenses such as betting on rigged or prearranged sports contests (match-fixing). Furthermore, it is considered illegal to impersonate Florida Gaming Control Commission officials, tamper with cards in card rooms, and advertise illegal gambling. Additionally, the bill gives more power to judges to factor in seized gambling money when setting bail. The bill also makes it a serious crime to make or move slot machines or gambling equipment without a proper license. Moreover, it becomes illegal to bring people, especially children or seniors, to places where illegal gambling is offered.

For locals, being aware of the bill is important to ensure that their gambling habits are within the legal framework. Importantly, the bill does not mention or restrict skill-based games. Since it focuses on games of chance and offers no new rules or exemptions for games where the outcome is determined by a player’s ability, skill-only games stay in a gray area. Although skill-based games like Mahjong are legal to play, however, betting on them is not.

Mahjong: A Promising Alternative in Florida’s Gambling Scene

After the Florida Legislature failed to address skill-based games in detail during the 2025 legislative session, nothing stands in the way of playing. With online casinos and sports betting at stake, it’s safe to assume that many players will look for alternatives if the bill is passed. Additionally, since gambling in online casinos and sports betting is not yet fully legalized at this time, many players prefer to resort to models that certainly don’t violate the law. As a skill-based game, Mahjong has recently experienced a resurgence and could have positive implications for Florida’s gambling market and economy.

Industry insiders are debating how to fill the skill-based niche of Florida, hoping to capitalize on the revenue. Under discussion are Mahjong clubs, virtually and/or physically, that are argued to offer several advantages for Florida’s gaming sector.

As skill-based games typically face fewer licensing requirements, regulatory hurdles are seemingly lower. Unlike chance-based games, like slots or roulette, that require permission from Florida’s gaming regulators, Mahjong clubs could operate as social or membership-based venues and therefore sidestep casino regulations entirely.

With advanced technology, people are more homebound. The convenience of using devices for entertainment outweighs social interaction. Since social interaction is important, this trend has left individuals feeling lonely and has proven to be a contributor to mental health issues. However, Mahjong establishments could counteract this trend and foster social interaction and instigate repeat visits. Using live dealer streams and even video-chatting options, Mahjong online clubs would allow social interaction with easy access. Players could log in from anywhere to enjoy daily tournaments, increasing social interactions even online. By charging modest membership or table fees, operators could create steady revenue streams, which in turn could flow into the state’s general fund.