1 | A bill to be entitled |
2 | An act relating to Internet poker; creating the "Internet |
3 | Poker Consumer Protection and Revenue Generation Act of |
4 | 2010"; providing for intrastate Internet poker to be |
5 | provided to the public by cardroom operators through a |
6 | state Internet poker network operated by Internet poker |
7 | hub operators; amending s. 849.087, F.S.; providing |
8 | legislative intent; providing definitions; authorizing a |
9 | person in the state to participate in an authorized game |
10 | of poker or a poker tournament; authorizing a person to |
11 | operate the state Internet poker network; providing |
12 | authority to Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering of the |
13 | Department of Business and Professional Regulation to |
14 | administer the act and regulate the operation of the state |
15 | Internet poker network, the Internet poker hub operator, |
16 | the cardroom affiliates, and the play of intrastate |
17 | Internet poker; authorizing the division to adopt rules, |
18 | conduct investigations and monitor the operations, review |
19 | books and accounts and records, suspend or revoke any |
20 | license or permit for any violation, take testimony, issue |
21 | summons and subpoenas, and monitor and ensure the proper |
22 | collection of taxes and fees; requiring Internet poker hub |
23 | operators to be licensed; providing qualifications and |
24 | conditions for such licensure; requiring reporting to and |
25 | approval by the division of a change in ownership under |
26 | certain conditions; requiring certain license fees; |
27 | providing for use of fees collected; providing for the |
28 | division to request proposals for Internet poker hub |
29 | operators to provide services for intrastate Internet |
30 | poker games; providing conditions for such proposals; |
31 | requiring a filing fee; providing for refunding of excess |
32 | filing fees; requiring an applicant for an Internet poker |
33 | hub operator license to provide evidence of a surety bond; |
34 | requiring the bond to meet certain conditions; providing |
35 | for governance of the contract between the Internet poker |
36 | hub operator and the state; providing for amendment of the |
37 | contract; providing for effect of changes to the law; |
38 | providing procedures for abandonment of the contract; |
39 | providing for contract disputes; providing for a cardroom |
40 | affiliate license to be issued to a cardroom operator; |
41 | requiring such license to provide intrastate Internet |
42 | poker for play to users; providing for annual renewal of |
43 | the affiliate license; providing for applications for the |
44 | affiliate license and renewal thereof; providing |
45 | conditions for licensure as an affiliate; requiring |
46 | reporting to and approval by the division of a change of |
47 | ownership of the affiliate license; providing a fee for |
48 | the affiliate license; providing for business and employee |
49 | occupational licenses; requiring certain employees of and |
50 | certain companies doing business with a cardroom affiliate |
51 | or an Internet poker hub operator to hold an appropriate |
52 | occupational license; prohibiting such operator or |
53 | affiliate from employing or allowing to be employed such a |
54 | person or doing business with such company if that person |
55 | or company does not hold an occupational license; |
56 | directing the division to adopt by rule a schedule for |
57 | renewal of such occupational licenses; providing that such |
58 | occupational licenses are not transferrable; providing for |
59 | applications for occupational licenses and renewal |
60 | thereof; directing the division to adopt rules regarding |
61 | such occupational licenses and applications for such |
62 | licenses; providing that such occupational license is |
63 | valid for a certain time period and at any Internet hub |
64 | operator or cardroom affiliate; providing for a fee for |
65 | initial and renewal applications for such occupational |
66 | licenses; providing penalties for failure to pay the fee; |
67 | providing grounds for the division to deny an application |
68 | for or revoke, suspend, or place conditions or |
69 | restrictions on or refuse to renew such occupational |
70 | license; requiring fingerprints for all such occupational |
71 | license applications which shall be taken in a manner |
72 | approved by the division and submitted electronically to |
73 | the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing and |
74 | the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national |
75 | processing; providing exceptions; defining the term |
76 | "conviction"; providing for costs of processing and |
77 | retaining fingerprints and conducting a criminal history |
78 | records check; providing procedures for processing |
79 | fingerprints and conducting a criminal history records |
80 | check and for payment of costs; providing for citations |
81 | and civil penalties; providing requirements to register |
82 | and play intrastate Internet poker; providing for an |
83 | Internet Poker Self-Exclusion Form; requiring the Internet |
84 | hub operator to exclude from play any person who has |
85 | completed such form; providing for maintenance of the form |
86 | and distribution to cardroom affiliates and the division; |
87 | requiring the Internet poker hub operator to display a |
88 | link to the website offering services related to the |
89 | prevention of compulsive and addictive gambling; limiting |
90 | liability should a person who has completed such form gain |
91 | access to and play Internet poker; providing requirements |
92 | for approval of games to be offered to players; providing |
93 | requirements for all offered games and game results; |
94 | providing requirements to minimize fraud and cheating; |
95 | prohibiting action for damages against the Internet poker |
96 | hub operator to prevent fraud or cheating under certain |
97 | circumstances; providing for games when play cannot be |
98 | completed; providing for player registration and player |
99 | accounts to be established by the Internet poker hub |
100 | operator; requiring a person to be registered and have a |
101 | player account before participation in any game; providing |
102 | procedures and requirements for registration; providing |
103 | for a privacy policy and a terms of use agreement; |
104 | providing grounds for the Internet poker hub operator to |
105 | suspend or revoke the account of a registered player; |
106 | providing responsibilities of the Internet poker hub |
107 | operator for maintenance of player accounts and for |
108 | providing certain system functions; requiring the Internet |
109 | poker hub operator to establish a book of accounts, |
110 | regularly audit financial records, and make the records |
111 | available to the division; requiring the Internet poker |
112 | hub operator to maintain a system of maintaining records |
113 | and reports that are readily available to the division; |
114 | providing for content of such records and reports; |
115 | requiring player accounts to be reconciled monthly; |
116 | providing technical system requirements; requiring the |
117 | Internet poker hub operator to define, document, and |
118 | implement certain methodologies relating to its systems; |
119 | requiring the Internet poker hub operator to maintain such |
120 | documentation for a certain period of time; providing for |
121 | player fees; prohibiting certain relationships and acts by |
122 | employees of the division and occupational license holders |
123 | and certain relatives; prohibiting games not authorized |
124 | and play by a person who has not attained a certain age; |
125 | prohibiting false statements; providing penalties; |
126 | providing for disposition of fines collected; providing |
127 | for license fees and taxes to be paid by the Internet |
128 | poker hub operator; providing for disposition of fees and |
129 | taxes collected; requiring payments to be accompanied by a |
130 | report showing all intrastate Internet poker activities |
131 | for the preceding calendar month and containing such other |
132 | information as prescribed by the division; requiring |
133 | cardroom affiliates to use a portion of receipts to |
134 | supplement pari-mutuel purses; providing penalties for |
135 | failure to pay taxes and penalties; providing for use of |
136 | certain deposits; providing grounds for the division to |
137 | deny a license or the renewal thereof or suspend or revoke |
138 | a license; providing penalties; authorizing the division |
139 | to adopt rules; providing for administration of the act |
140 | and regulation of the intrastate Internet poker industry; |
141 | providing an effective date. |
142 |
|
143 | Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: |
144 |
|
145 | Section 1. This act may be cited as the "Internet Poker |
146 | Consumer Protection and Revenue Generation Act of 2010." |
147 | Section 2. Section 849.087, Florida Statutes, is created |
148 | to read: |
149 | 849.087 Intrastate Internet poker authorized.- |
150 | (1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.-It is the intent of the |
151 | Legislature to create a framework for the state to regulate |
152 | intrastate Internet poker sites that can ensure consumer |
153 | protections and additional revenue to the state by authorizing, |
154 | implementing, and creating a licensing and regulatory structure |
155 | and system of Internet poker to: |
156 | (a) Ensure that intrastate Internet poker is only offered |
157 | for play in a manner that is lawful under the federal Unlawful |
158 | Internet Gaming Enforcement Act of 2006 which authorizes a state |
159 | to regulate and conduct intrastate Internet gambling, such as |
160 | poker. |
161 | (b) Provide a new source of revenue that will generate |
162 | additional positive economic benefits to the state instead of |
163 | flowing offshore to unregulated foreign operators and markets. |
164 | (c) Create a contractual relationship with an Internet |
165 | poker hub operator with the technical expertise to ensure that |
166 | wagering authorized by this section is only offered to |
167 | registered players who are physically present within the borders |
168 | of this state at the time of play and who are at least 21 years |
169 | of age or older. |
170 | (d) Provide for a competitive procurement process to |
171 | select Internet poker hub operators that are qualified to be |
172 | licensed by the state and meet all statutory, regulatory, and |
173 | contractual requirements of the state while protecting |
174 | registered poker players. |
175 | (e) Provide for a licensed cardroom operator to become a |
176 | licensed provider of intrastate Internet poker through licensed |
177 | Internet poker hub operators. |
178 | (f) Ensure that the state is able to collect all taxes and |
179 | fees revenues from the play of intrastate Internet poker. |
180 | (g) Create a system to protect each registered poker |
181 | player's private information and prevent fraud and identity |
182 | theft and ensure that their financial transactions are processed |
183 | in a secure and transparent fashion. |
184 | (h) Ensure that the regulatory agency has unlimited access |
185 | to the premises and records of the licensed Internet poker hub |
186 | operator and cardroom affiliates to ensure strict compliance |
187 | with its regulations concerning credit authorization, account |
188 | access, and other security provisions. |
189 | (i) Require that the Internet poker hub operators provide |
190 | registered poker players with accessible customer service. |
191 | (j) Require that the Internet poker hub operator's site |
192 | contains information relating to problem gambling, including a |
193 | telephone number that an individual may call to seek information |
194 | and assistance for a potential gambling addiction. |
195 | (2) DEFINITIONS.-As used in this section: |
196 | (a) "Authorized game" means a game or series of games of |
197 | poker which are played in a nonbanking manner through the state |
198 | Internet poker network. |
199 | (b) "Cardroom affiliate" means a licensed cardroom |
200 | operator as defined in s. 849.086(2)(f) who maintains an |
201 | Internet website as a portal into the state Internet poker |
202 | network. |
203 | (c) "Division" means the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering |
204 | of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. |
205 | (d) "Gross receipts" means the total amount of money |
206 | received by the Internet poker hub operator from registered |
207 | players for participation in authorized games. |
208 | (e) "Internet poker hub operator" means a system operator |
209 | that the state contracts with to operate the intrastate Internet |
210 | poker network. |
211 | (f) "Intrastate Internet poker" means the playing of |
212 | authorized games of poker over the Internet by registered |
213 | players who must be physically present within the borders of |
214 | this state at the time of play. |
215 | (g) "Liquidity" means the total number of registered |
216 | players available in the state Internet poker network. |
217 | (h) "Net proceeds" means the total amount of gross |
218 | receipts received by the Internet poker hub operator from |
219 | intrastate Internet poker operations less direct operating |
220 | expenses related to the Internet poker hub operations, including |
221 | labor costs, gross receipts taxes imposed on the Internet poker |
222 | hub operator by this section, the business and occupational |
223 | license fees imposed by this section, the fees paid to cardroom |
224 | affiliates, revenue and reasonable promotional costs excluding |
225 | officer and director compensation, interest on capital debt, |
226 | legal fees, real estate taxes, bad debts, contributions or |
227 | donations, or overhead and depreciation expenses not directly |
228 | related to the operation of the Internet poker network. |
229 | (i) "Nonbanking game" means a game in which the house is |
230 | not a participant in the authorized game. |
231 | (j) "Per-hand charge" means a set fee or a percentage of |
232 | the pot, assessed by the Internet poker hub operator for |
233 | providing the Internet poker services, to registered players for |
234 | the right to participate in authorized games conducted on the |
235 | intrastate Internet poker network. This fee may be referred to |
236 | as the "rake." |
237 | (k) "Registered player" means a poker player who must be |
238 | physically present within the borders of this state at the time |
239 | of play and who is at least 21 years of age. |
240 | (l) "State Internet poker network" means an intrastate |
241 | Internet poker system operated by licensed Internet poker hub |
242 | operators that authorizes the playing of and wagering on |
243 | intrastate Internet poker by registered players through a |
244 | licensed cardroom affiliate's website. |
245 | (m) "Tournament fee" means a set fee assessed to |
246 | registered players by the Internet poker hub operator for |
247 | providing the Internet poker tournament services. |
248 | (3) INTRASTATE INTERNET POKER AUTHORIZED.- |
249 | (a) Under the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling |
250 | Enforcement Act of 2006, a state is authorized to regulate and |
251 | conduct intrastate Internet poker as long as all players and the |
252 | online wagering activities are located within the state. |
253 | (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person |
254 | in the state is authorized to participate as a registered player |
255 | in an authorized game or tournament provided on the state |
256 | Internet poker network by a licensed cardroom affiliate or to |
257 | operate the state Internet poker network as a licensed Internet |
258 | poker hub operator described in this section if such game and |
259 | poker operations are conducted strictly in accordance with the |
260 | provisions of this section and federal law. |
261 | (4) AUTHORITY OF DIVISION.-The Division of Pari-mutuel |
262 | Wagering of the Department of Business and Professional |
263 | Regulation shall administer this section and regulate the |
264 | operation of the state Internet poker network, the Internet |
265 | poker hub operator, the cardroom affiliates, and the play of |
266 | intrastate Internet poker under this section and the rules |
267 | adopted pursuant to this section. The division is authorized to: |
268 | (a) Adopt rules, including, but not limited to, rules for |
269 | the issuance of operating and individual occupational licenses |
270 | to the Internet poker hub operator, the cardroom affiliate and |
271 | their employees; the operation of the state Internet poker |
272 | network; recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and the |
273 | collection of all fees and taxes imposed by this section. |
274 | (b) Conduct investigations and monitor the operation of |
275 | the state Internet poker network and the playing of authorized |
276 | games therein. |
277 | (c) Review the books, accounts, and records of any current |
278 | or former Internet poker hub operator cardroom affiliate. |
279 | (d) Suspend or revoke any license or permit, after a |
280 | hearing, for any violation of this section or the administrative |
281 | rules adopted pursuant thereto. |
282 | (e) Take testimony, issue summons and subpoenas for any |
283 | witness, and issue subpoenas duces tecum in connection with any |
284 | matter within its jurisdiction. |
285 | (f) Monitor and ensure the proper collection of taxes and |
286 | fees imposed by this section. Internal controls of the Internet |
287 | poker hub operator are required to ensure no compromise of |
288 | revenue to the state. To that end, a roaming division auditor |
289 | will monitor and verify the cash flow and accounting of the |
290 | Internet poker network revenue for any given operating day. |
291 | (5) INTERNET POKER HUB OPERATOR LICENSE REQUIRED; |
292 | APPLICATION; FEES.-No person may operate as an Internet poker |
293 | hub operator in this state unless such person holds a valid |
294 | Internet poker hub operator license issued pursuant to this |
295 | section. |
296 | (a) Only those persons holding a valid Internet poker |
297 | license issued by the division may provide intrastate Internet |
298 | poker for play to registered players. |
299 | (b) An Internet poker hub operator must be incorporated in |
300 | this state. |
301 | (c) Persons seeking a license or a license renewal to |
302 | operate as an Internet poker hub operator shall make the |
303 | application on forms prescribed by the division. Applications |
304 | for cardroom licenses shall contain all of the information the |
305 | division, by rule, may determine is required to ensure |
306 | eligibility. |
307 | (d) As a condition of licensure and to maintain continued |
308 | authority for the conduct of intrastate Internet poker, the |
309 | Internet poker hub operator licensee shall be responsible for |
310 | providing appropriate current and accurate documentation on a |
311 | timely basis to the division. Changes in ownership or interest |
312 | of a Internet poker hub operator license of 5 percent or more of |
313 | the stock or other evidence of ownership or equity in the |
314 | Internet poker hub operator license or any parent corporation or |
315 | other business entity that in any way owns or controls the |
316 | Internet poker hub operator license shall be approved by the |
317 | division prior to such change, unless the owner is an existing |
318 | holder of that license who was previously approved by the |
319 | division. Changes in ownership or interest of an Internet poker |
320 | hub operator license of less than 5 percent, unless such change |
321 | results in a cumulative total of 5 percent or more, shall be |
322 | reported to the division within 20 days after the change. The |
323 | division may then conduct an investigation to ensure that the |
324 | license is properly updated to show the change in ownership or |
325 | interest. No reporting is required if the person is holding 5 |
326 | percent or less equity or securities of a corporate owner of the |
327 | Internet poker hub operator licensee that has its securities |
328 | registered pursuant to s. 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of |
329 | 1934, 15 U.S.C. ss. 78a-78kk, and if such corporation or entity |
330 | files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission |
331 | the reports required by s. 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of |
332 | 1934 or if the securities of the corporation or entity are |
333 | regularly traded on an established securities market in the |
334 | United States. A change in ownership or interest of less than 5 |
335 | percent which results in a cumulative ownership or interest of 5 |
336 | percent or more shall be approved by the division prior to such |
337 | change unless the owner is an existing holder of the license who |
338 | was previously approved by the division. |
339 | (e)1. Upon submission of the initial application for an |
340 | Internet poker hub operator license as prescribed by the |
341 | division, the licensee must pay to the division a nonrefundable |
342 | license fee of $500,000. |
343 | 2. Annually thereafter, on the anniversary date of the |
344 | issuance of the initial license, an Internet poker hub operator |
345 | shall pay 10 percent of the monthly gross receipts derived from |
346 | the play of intrastate Internet poker during the previous state |
347 | fiscal year to fund the division's regulation and oversight of |
348 | the operation and play of intrastate Internet poker. All funds |
349 | shall be deposited by the division with the Chief Financial |
350 | Officer to the credit of the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. |
351 | (6) SELECTION OF AN INTERNET POKER HUB OPERATOR BY |
352 | COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESS.-The division shall, subject to |
353 | a competitive procurement process, request proposals for |
354 | Internet poker hub operators to provide services for lawful |
355 | intrastate Internet poker games in the state. |
356 | (7) QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN INTERNET POKER HUB OPERATOR.-An |
357 | applicant must show when submitting its proposal during the |
358 | competitive procurement process that it meets the following |
359 | requirements: |
360 | (a) It has a certificate of incorporation in this state. |
361 | (b) It is legally, technically, and financially qualified |
362 | to provide the services to be selected as an Internet poker hub |
363 | operator. |
364 | (c) Its executives and key employees meet the requirements |
365 | to obtain intrastate Internet poker occupational licenses from |
366 | the division pursuant to subsection (12). |
367 | (d) It is experienced and qualified to receive an Internet |
368 | poker hub operator license from the division. |
369 | (e) It is licensed to operate various forms of gaming or |
370 | lottery activities in one or more regulated jurisdictions in |
371 | United States. |
372 | (f) It has existing and established experience with |
373 | Internet gaming and is licensed to conduct Internet gaming |
374 | activities in one or more regulated jurisdictions outside the |
375 | United States where such Internet gaming is legal. |
376 | (8) SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERNET POKER |
377 | HUB OPERATOR.-In addition to demonstrating that the applicant is |
378 | legally, technically, and financially qualified to become an |
379 | Internet poker hub operator in the state, the applicant's |
380 | proposal must describe how it will fulfill the partnership role |
381 | envisaged by this section. The applicant must provide all of the |
382 | following: |
383 | (a) All necessary documentation and information relating |
384 | to the applicant and its direct and indirect owners, including, |
385 | but not limited to: |
386 | 1. A certificate of incorporation in this state and other |
387 | founding documents. |
388 | 2. Current and historical audited financial and |
389 | accounting records. |
390 | 3. Any and all documents relating to legal and |
391 | regulatory proceedings in this state and other |
392 | jurisdictions. |
393 | 4. Any and all documents relating to the applicant's |
394 | business history, including all state and federal tax |
395 | filings. |
396 | 5. All documents relating to the nature and sources of |
397 | the applicant's financing. |
398 | 6. All documentation that demonstrates that the |
399 | applicant is financially qualified to perform the |
400 | obligations of the Internet poker hub operator as described in |
401 | this section. |
402 | 7. Any other documentation or information that the |
403 | division, by rule, may determine is required to ensure |
404 | eligibility. |
405 | (b) All necessary documentation and information relating |
406 | to all proposed subcontractors of the applicant, including, but |
407 | not limited to: |
408 | 1. A description of the services to be provided by each |
409 | subcontractor. |
410 | 2. Information for each subcontractor as set forth in this |
411 | section. |
412 | 3. Any other documentation or information that the |
413 | division, by rule, may determine is required to ensure |
414 | eligibility. |
415 | (c) A description by the applicant of how it will |
416 | facilitate compliance with all of the requirements in this |
417 | section, including, but not limited to: |
418 | 1. Registered player requirements relating to: |
419 | a. Intrastate play. |
420 | b. Age verification. |
421 | c. Exclusion of problem gamblers. |
422 | 2. Network system requirements, including, but not |
423 | limited to: |
424 | a. Connectivity. |
425 | b. Hardware. |
426 | c. Software. |
427 | d. Anti-fraud systems. |
428 | e. Virus prevention. |
429 | f. Data protection. |
430 | g. Access controls. |
431 | h. Firewalls. |
432 | i. Disaster recovery. |
433 | j. Redundancy. |
434 | 3. Gaming systems requirements, including, but not |
435 | limited to, hardware and software that ensures: |
436 | a. Games are legal. |
437 | b. Games are independent and fair. |
438 | c. Game and betting rules are available to all registered |
439 | players. |
440 | d. All data used for the conduct of each game is randomly- |
441 | generated and unpredictable. |
442 | 4. Accounting systems requirements, including, but not |
443 | limited to, requirements for: |
444 | a. Registered player accounts. |
445 | b. Per-hand charges. |
446 | c. Transparency and reporting to the division. |
447 | d. Distribution of revenue to the state, distribution of |
448 | funds pursuant to contract, and distribution to registered |
449 | players. |
450 | e. On-going auditing. |
451 | (d) A description of the games and services the applicant |
452 | proposes to offer to registered players. |
453 | (e) A description by the applicant of how it will ensure |
454 | that registered players are at least 21 years of age or older |
455 | and facilitate registered player protections and resolution of |
456 | player disputes. |
457 | (f) In addition, upon submission of the initial |
458 | application and proposal, the applicant shall pay an initial |
459 | filing fee of $25,000 to compensate the division for reasonably |
460 | anticipated costs to be incurred to conduct a comprehensive |
461 | investigation of the applicant to determine if the applicant is |
462 | legally, technically, and financially qualified to become the |
463 | state's Internet poker hub operator and is suitable for |
464 | licensure. The division may require, by rule, additional funds |
465 | to complete the investigation. The division may set, by rule, a |
466 | procedure for refunding any unused amount of the filing fees. |
467 | (9) INTERNET POKER HUB OPERATOR; FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY; |
468 | BOND REQUIRED.-The holder of a license to be an Internet poker |
469 | hub operator in the state shall be financially and otherwise |
470 | responsible for the operation of the intrastate Internet poker |
471 | network and for the conduct of any employee involved in the |
472 | operation of the online poker network. Prior to the issuance of |
473 | the Internet poker hub operator license, each applicant for such |
474 | license shall provide evidence of a surety bond in the amount of |
475 | $500,000, payable to the state, for each year that the licensee |
476 | is licensed to be an Internet poker hub operator in the state. |
477 | The bond shall be issued by a surety or sureties authorized to |
478 | do business in the state and approved by the division and the |
479 | state's Chief Financial Officer in his or her capacity as |
480 | treasurer of the division. The bond shall guarantee that an |
481 | Internet poker hub operator fulfills all financial requirements |
482 | of the contract. Such bond shall be kept in full force and |
483 | effect by an Internet poker hub operator during the term of the |
484 | license. |
485 | (10) INTERNET POKER HUB OPERATOR; CONTRACT |
486 | RESPONSIBILITIES.-A licensed Internet poker hub operator must |
487 | comply with the terms of its contract with the state and this |
488 | section. |
489 | (a) The accepted proposal agreed to by the division, on |
490 | behalf of the state, and an Internet poker hub operator |
491 | applicant shall govern the interpretation of the contract |
492 | creating a partnership entered into between the state and an |
493 | Internet poker hub operator. |
494 | (b) The contract may be amended by mutual agreement of the |
495 | division and an Internet poker hub operator. |
496 | (c) In the event of amendment of this section, an Internet |
497 | poker hub operator may declare the contract null and void within |
498 | 60 days after the effective date of such amendment; otherwise an |
499 | Internet poker hub operator agrees to be bound by any amendments |
500 | to this section adopted after the terms of the contract are |
501 | established. |
502 | (d) In the event of commercial infeasibility created by a |
503 | change in federal law rendering the provision of intrastate |
504 | poker services illegal or some other event, an Internet poker |
505 | hub operator may abandon the contract after providing the |
506 | division with a minimum of 30 days' notice of its intent to end |
507 | the contract and a statement explaining its interpretation that |
508 | continuing to provide services under the contract is |
509 | commercially infeasible. |
510 | (e) In the event that any dispute arises between the |
511 | parties to the contract, either the division or an Internet |
512 | poker hub operator may go through an administrative law judge or |
513 | circuit court for an initial interpretation of the contract and |
514 | the rights and responsibilities therein. |
515 | (11) CARDROOM AFFILIATE LICENSE REQUIRED; APPLICATION; |
516 | FEES.-A cardroom affiliate license may only be issued to a |
517 | cardroom operator who is licensed under s. 849.086 and complies |
518 | with all the requirements of that section and the rules |
519 | promulgated per that section. |
520 | (a) Only those persons holding a valid cardroom affiliate |
521 | license issued by the division may provide intrastate Internet |
522 | poker for play to registered players through its website. |
523 | (b) After the initial cardroom affiliate license is |
524 | granted, the application for the annual cardroom affiliate |
525 | license renewal shall be made in conjunction with the |
526 | applicant's annual application for its pari-mutuel and cardroom |
527 | licenses under chapter 550 and s. 849.086, respectively. |
528 | (c) Persons seeking a license or a renewal thereof to |
529 | operate as a cardroom affiliate shall make the application on |
530 | forms prescribed by the division. Applications for cardroom |
531 | licenses shall contain all of the information the division, by |
532 | rule, may determine is required to ensure eligibility. |
533 | (d) As a condition of licensure and to maintain continued |
534 | authority for the conduct of intrastate Internet poker, the |
535 | cardroom affiliate licensee shall be responsible for providing |
536 | appropriate current and accurate documentation on a timely basis |
537 | to the division. Changes in ownership or interest of a cardroom |
538 | affiliate license of 5 percent or more of the stock or other |
539 | evidence of ownership or equity in the cardroom affiliate |
540 | license or any parent corporation or other business entity that |
541 | in any way owns or controls the cardroom affiliate license shall |
542 | be approved by the division prior to such change, unless the |
543 | owner is an existing holder of that license who was previously |
544 | approved by the division. Changes in ownership or interest of a |
545 | cardroom affiliate license of less than 5 percent, unless such |
546 | change results in a cumulative total of 5 percent or more, shall |
547 | be reported to the division within 20 days after the change. The |
548 | division may then conduct an investigation to ensure that the |
549 | license is properly updated to show the change in ownership or |
550 | interest. No reporting is required if the person is holding 5 |
551 | percent or less equity or securities of a corporate owner of the |
552 | cardroom affiliate licensee that has its securities registered |
553 | pursuant to s. 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 |
554 | U.S.C. ss. 78a-78kk, and if such corporation or entity files |
555 | with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission the |
556 | reports required by s. 13 of that act or if the securities of |
557 | the corporation or entity are regularly traded on an established |
558 | securities market in the United States. A change in ownership or |
559 | interest of less than 5 percent which results in a cumulative |
560 | ownership or interest of 5 percent or more shall be approved by |
561 | the division prior to such change unless the owner is an |
562 | existing holder of the license who was previously approved by |
563 | the division. |
564 | (e) The annual cardroom affiliate license fee shall be |
565 | $1,000. The annual license fee shall be deposited by the |
566 | division with the Chief Financial Officer to the credit of the |
567 | Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. |
568 | (12) BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE REQUIRED; |
569 | APPLICATION; FEES.- |
570 | (a) A person employed by or otherwise working for an |
571 | Internet poker hub operator or a cardroom affiliate in any |
572 | capacity related to intrastate Internet poker operations while |
573 | conducting intrastate Internet poker must hold a valid |
574 | occupational license issued by the division. |
575 | (b) Any poker management company or poker distributor |
576 | associated with intrastate Internet poker operations must hold a |
577 | valid intrastate Internet poker business occupational license |
578 | issued by the division. |
579 | (c) No licensed Internet poker hub operator or a cardroom |
580 | affiliate may employ or allow to be employed in any capacity |
581 | related to the operation of intrastate Internet poker unless |
582 | such person holds a valid occupational license. No licensed |
583 | Internet poker hub operator or cardroom affiliate may contract, |
584 | or otherwise do business with, a business required to hold a |
585 | valid intrastate Internet poker business occupational license, |
586 | unless the business holds such a valid license. |
587 | (d) The division shall establish, by rule, a schedule for |
588 | the annual renewal of Internet poker hub operator and cardroom |
589 | affiliate occupational licenses. Intrastate Internet poker |
590 | occupational licenses are not transferable. |
591 | (e) Persons seeking intrastate Internet poker occupational |
592 | licenses, or renewal thereof, shall make the application on |
593 | forms prescribed by the division and include payment of the |
594 | appropriate application fee. Applications for intrastate |
595 | Internet poker occupational licenses shall contain all of the |
596 | information the division, by rule, may determine is required to |
597 | ensure eligibility. |
598 | (f) The division shall promulgate rules regarding |
599 | intrastate Internet poker occupational licenses. |
600 | (g) An intrastate Internet poker license is valid for the |
601 | same term as a pari-mutuel occupational license issued pursuant |
602 | to s. 550.105(1). |
603 | (h) Pursuant to rules adopted by the division, any person |
604 | may apply for and, if qualified, be issued an intrastate |
605 | Internet poker occupational license valid for a period of 3 |
606 | years upon payment of the full occupational license fee for each |
607 | of the 3 years for which the license is issued. The intrastate |
608 | Internet poker occupational license is valid during its |
609 | specified term at any licensed Internet poker hub operator or a |
610 | cardroom affiliate where intrastate Internet poker is authorized |
611 | to be conducted. |
612 | (i) The intrastate Internet poker occupational license fee |
613 | for initial application and annual renewal shall be determined |
614 | by rule of the division but shall not exceed $50 for an |
615 | occupational license for an employee of an Internet poker hub |
616 | operator or a cardroom affiliate licensee or $1,000 for a |
617 | business occupational license for nonemployees of the licensee |
618 | providing goods or services to an Internet poker hub operator or |
619 | a cardroom affiliate occupational licensee. Failure to pay the |
620 | required fee constitutes grounds for disciplinary action by the |
621 | division against an Internet poker hub operator or a cardroom |
622 | affiliate occupational licensee. |
623 | (13) BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE DENIAL.- |
624 | (a) The division may deny an application for, or revoke, |
625 | suspend, or place conditions or restrictions on, a license of a |
626 | person or entity that has been refused a license by any other |
627 | state gaming commission, governmental department, agency, or |
628 | other authority exercising regulatory jurisdiction over the |
629 | gaming of another state or jurisdiction; or |
630 | (b) The division may deny an application for, or suspend |
631 | or place conditions on, a license of any person or entity that |
632 | is under suspension or has unpaid fines in another state or |
633 | jurisdiction. |
634 | (c) The division may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to |
635 | renew any Internet poker hub operator or cardroom affiliate |
636 | occupational license if the applicant for such license or the |
637 | licensee has violated the provisions of this chapter or the |
638 | rules of the division governing the conduct of persons connected |
639 | with the play of intrastate Internet poker. In addition, the |
640 | division may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any |
641 | Internet poker hub operator or a cardroom affiliate occupational |
642 | license if the applicant for such license or the licensee has |
643 | been convicted in this state, in any other state, or under the |
644 | laws of the United States of a capital felony, a felony, or an |
645 | offense in any other state that would be a felony under the laws |
646 | of this state involving arson; trafficking in, conspiracy to |
647 | traffic in, smuggling, importing, conspiracy to smuggle or |
648 | import, or delivery, sale, or distribution of a controlled |
649 | substance; racketeering; or a crime involving a lack of good |
650 | moral character, or has had a gaming license revoked by this |
651 | state or any other jurisdiction for any gaming-related offense. |
652 | (d) The division may deny, revoke, or refuse to renew any |
653 | Internet poker hub operator or a cardroom affiliate occupational |
654 | license if the applicant for such license or the licensee has |
655 | been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state, in any |
656 | other state, or under the laws of the United States if such |
657 | felony or misdemeanor is related to gambling or bookmaking as |
658 | described in s. 849.25. |
659 | (e) For purposes of this subsection, the term "convicted" |
660 | means having been found guilty, with or without adjudication of |
661 | guilt, as a result of a jury verdict, nonjury trial, or entry of |
662 | a plea of guilty or nolo contendere. |
663 | (14) BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE; |
664 | FINGERPRINTS; FEES.- |
665 | (a) Fingerprints for all intrastate Internet poker |
666 | occupational license applications shall be taken in a manner |
667 | approved by the division and shall be submitted electronically |
668 | to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing and |
669 | the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing for |
670 | a criminal history records check. All persons employed by or |
671 | working with a licensed Internet poker hub operator or a |
672 | cardroom affiliate shall submit fingerprints for a criminal |
673 | history records check and must not have been convicted of any |
674 | disqualifying criminal offenses. Division employees and law |
675 | enforcement officers assigned by their employing agencies to |
676 | work within the premises as part of their official duties are |
677 | excluded from the criminal history records check requirements |
678 | under this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, the term |
679 | "convicted" means having been found guilty, with or without |
680 | adjudication of guilt, as a result of a jury verdict, nonjury |
681 | trial, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere. |
682 | (b) Fingerprints shall be taken in a manner approved by |
683 | the division upon initial application, or as required thereafter |
684 | by rule of the division, and shall be submitted electronically |
685 | to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing. The |
686 | Department of Law Enforcement shall forward the fingerprints to |
687 | the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing. The |
688 | results of the criminal history records check shall be returned |
689 | to the division for purposes of screening. The division |
690 | requirements under this subsection shall be instituted in |
691 | consultation with the Department of Law Enforcement. |
692 | (c) The cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a |
693 | criminal history records check for an intrastate Internet poker |
694 | occupational license shall be borne by the person being checked. |
695 | The Department of Law Enforcement may invoice the division for |
696 | the fingerprints submitted each month. |
697 | (d) All fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law |
698 | Enforcement and required by this section shall be retained by |
699 | the Department of Law Enforcement and entered into the statewide |
700 | automated fingerprint identification system as authorized by s. |
701 | 943.05(2)(b) and shall be available for all purposes and uses |
702 | authorized for arrest fingerprint cards entered into the |
703 | statewide automated fingerprint identification system pursuant |
704 | to s. 943.051. |
705 | (e) The Department of Law Enforcement shall search all |
706 | arrest fingerprints received pursuant to s. 943.051 against the |
707 | fingerprints retained in the statewide automated fingerprint |
708 | identification system under paragraph (c). Any arrest record |
709 | that is identified with the retained fingerprints of a person |
710 | subject to the criminal history screening requirements of this |
711 | section shall be reported to the division. Each licensed |
712 | facility shall pay a fee to the division for the cost of |
713 | retention of the fingerprints and the ongoing searches under |
714 | this paragraph. The division shall forward the payment to the |
715 | Department of Law Enforcement. The amount of the fee to be |
716 | imposed for performing these searches and the procedures for the |
717 | retention of licensee fingerprints shall be as established by |
718 | rule of the Department of Law Enforcement. The division shall |
719 | inform the Department of Law Enforcement of any change in the |
720 | license status of licensees whose fingerprints are retained |
721 | under paragraph (d). |
722 | (f) The division shall request the Department of Law |
723 | Enforcement to forward the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of |
724 | Investigation for a national criminal history records check |
725 | every 3 years following issuance of a license. If the |
726 | fingerprints of a person who is licensed have not been retained |
727 | by the Department of Law Enforcement, the person must file a |
728 | complete set of fingerprints as provided for in paragraph (a). |
729 | The division shall collect the fees for the cost of the national |
730 | criminal history records check under this paragraph and shall |
731 | forward the payment to the Department of Law Enforcement. The |
732 | cost of processing fingerprints and conducting a criminal |
733 | history records check under this paragraph for an intrastate |
734 | Internet poker occupational license shall be borne by the person |
735 | being checked. The Department of Law Enforcement may invoice the |
736 | division for the fingerprints submitted each month. Under |
737 | penalty of perjury, each person who is licensed or who is |
738 | fingerprinted as required by this section must agree to inform |
739 | the division within 48 hours if he or she is convicted of or has |
740 | entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any disqualifying |
741 | offense, regardless of adjudication. |
742 | (g) All moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be |
743 | deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. |
744 | (h) The division may deny, revoke, or suspend any |
745 | occupational license if the applicant or holder of the license |
746 | accumulates unpaid obligations, defaults in obligations, or |
747 | issues drafts or checks that are dishonored or for which payment |
748 | is refused without reasonable cause. |
749 | (i) The division may fine or suspend, revoke, or place |
750 | conditions upon the license of any licensee who provides false |
751 | information under oath regarding an application for a license or |
752 | an investigation by the division. |
753 | (j) The division may impose a civil fine of up to $10,000 |
754 | for each violation of this section or the rules of the division |
755 | in addition to or in lieu of any other penalty provided for in |
756 | this section. The division may adopt a penalty schedule for |
757 | violations of this section or any rule adopted pursuant to this |
758 | sections for which it would impose a fine in lieu of a |
759 | suspension and adopt rules allowing for the issuance of |
760 | citations, including procedures to address such citations, to |
761 | persons who violate such rules. In addition to any other penalty |
762 | provided by law, the division may exclude from all licensed |
763 | pari-mutuel, cardroom, and slot machine facilities in this |
764 | state, for a period not to exceed the period of suspension, |
765 | revocation, or ineligibility, any person who has been declared |
766 | ineligible to hold an occupational license or whose occupational |
767 | license has been suspended or revoked by the division. |
768 | (15) REGISTERED PLAYERS; ELIGIBILITY.- |
769 | (a) All registered players must be within this state at |
770 | the time of play of intrastate Internet poker. |
771 | (b) A person who has not attained 21 years of age shall |
772 | not be a registered player or play intrastate Internet poker. |
773 | (c) The Internet poker hub operator shall exclude from |
774 | play any person who has filled out an Internet Poker Self- |
775 | Exclusion Form. |
776 | 1. The Internet poker hub operator shall make an Internet |
777 | Poker Self-Exclusion Form available online and accessible on the |
778 | Internet page that is displayed when: |
779 | a. A person arrives to register as a registered player; or |
780 | b. A registered player accesses the first page of the |
781 | Internet poker hub website prior to playing. |
782 | 2. Upon receipt of a completed Internet Poker Self- |
783 | Exclusion Form, the Internet poker hub operator shall |
784 | immediately provide a copy of the completed form to the cardroom |
785 | affiliates and the division. |
786 | 3. The Internet poker hub operator shall retain the |
787 | original form to identify persons who request to be excluded |
788 | from play. |
789 | 4. The Internet poker hub operator shall prominently |
790 | display a link to the website of a responsible gaming |
791 | organization that is under contract with the division per s. |
792 | 551.118(2) for services related to the prevention of compulsive |
793 | and addictive gambling. |
794 | 5. The Internet poker hub operator shall not be held |
795 | liable in any way should a person who has filled out an Internet |
796 | Poker Self-Exclusion Form gain access and play despite the |
797 | request to be excluded. |
798 | (16) INTRASTATE INTERNET POKER; AUTHORIZED GAMES.- |
799 | (a) In order to propose a game of poker for play, the |
800 | Internet poker hub operator shall provide the division with: |
801 | 1. A description of any game of poker and the betting |
802 | rules it proposes to offer to registered players; |
803 | 2. A legal opinion explaining how the game complies with |
804 | federal and state laws; and |
805 | 3. Documentation relating to development and testing of |
806 | the game's software. |
807 | (b) If the division does not object to the proposed games |
808 | of poker within 30 days after receipt of the proposal, the |
809 | Internet poker hub operator may offer the game to registered |
810 | players. |
811 | (c) Games and betting events must be operated strictly in |
812 | accordance with the specified game and betting rules. |
813 | (d) The Internet poker hub operator must ensure that the |
814 | authorized games of poker are fair. For each authorized game |
815 | offered for play, the gaming system must display the following |
816 | information: |
817 | 1. The name of the game. |
818 | 2. Any restrictions on play. |
819 | 3. The rules of the game. |
820 | 4. All instructions on how to play. |
821 | 5. The unit and total bets permitted. |
822 | 6. The registered player's current account balance |
823 | which shall be updated in real time. |
824 | 7. Any other information that the Internet poker hub |
825 | operator determines is necessary for the registered player |
826 | to have in real time to compete fairly in the game. |
827 | (e) All authorized game results must be conducted in such a |
828 | fashion that: |
829 | 1. Data used to create results must be unpredictable such |
830 | that it is infeasible to predict the next occurrence in a game, |
831 | given complete knowledge of the algorithm or hardware generating |
832 | the sequence, and all previously generated numbers. |
833 | 2. The game or any game event outcome must not be affected |
834 | by the effective bandwidth, link utilization, bit error rate or |
835 | other characteristic of the communications channel between the |
836 | gaming system and the playing device used by the player. |
837 | (f) The Internet poker hub operator must deploy controls |
838 | and technology to ensure the ability to minimize fraud or |
839 | cheating through collusion, such as external exchange of |
840 | information between different players, or any other means. |
841 | 1. If the Internet poker hub operator becomes aware that |
842 | fraud or cheating is taking place or has taken place, it shall |
843 | take steps to stop such activities immediately and will |
844 | immediately inform the division of all relevant facts. |
845 | 2. No registered player may bring an action for damages |
846 | against the Internet poker hub operator to prevent fraud or |
847 | cheating if the Internet poker hub operator can demonstrate |
848 | that it acted to prevent such actions as soon as the Internet |
849 | poker hub operator became aware of them. |
850 | (g) In the event that the gaming server or software does |
851 | not allow a game to be completed, the hand shall be voided and all |
852 | funds relating to the incomplete hand shall be returned to the |
853 | registered player's account. |
854 | (17) REGISTERED PLAYER ACCOUNTS.- |
855 | (a) The Internet poker hub operator must register players |
856 | and establish player accounts prior to play and must ensure that |
857 | personally identifiable information is accessible to players and |
858 | regulators but is otherwise secure. |
859 | (b) A person shall not participate in any game on the |
860 | intrastate Internet poker network unless the person is |
861 | registered as a player and holds an account. |
862 | (c) Accounts may be established in person, by mail or |
863 | telephone, or by any electronic means. |
864 | (d) To register and establish an account, a person must |
865 | provide the following registration information: |
866 | 1. First name and surname. |
867 | 2. Principal residence address. |
868 | 3. Telephone number. |
869 | 4. Social Security number. |
870 | 5. Legal identification or certification to prove that |
871 | person is at least 21 years of age. |
872 | 6. Valid email address. |
873 | 7. The source of funds to be used to establish the |
874 | account once the registration process is complete. |
875 | (e) A person may only register one account. |
876 | (f) Prior to completing the registration process, the |
877 | Internet poker hub operator must explain to the person in a |
878 | conspicuous fashion the privacy policies of the Internet poker |
879 | hub, and a person must assent to the following policies: |
880 | 1. No personally-identifiable information shall be shared |
881 | with any nongovernment third-parties except for licensed |
882 | subcontractors of the Internet Poker hub operator for the sole |
883 | purpose of permitting registered players to participate in |
884 | games on the Internet poker hub or upon receipt of a court |
885 | order to subpoena such information from the Internet poker hub; |
886 | and |
887 | 2. All personally-identifiable information about |
888 | registered players will be shared with the division, the |
889 | Department of Law Enforcement, and any other governmental agency |
890 | who receives a court order to subpoena such information. |
891 | (g) The Internet poker hub operator may also require that |
892 | a person agree to a terms of use agreement applying to |
893 | registered players. |
894 | (h) The Internet poker hub operator shall provide a |
895 | registered player with the means to update the |
896 | information provided in paragraph (c). |
897 | (i) The Internet poker hub operator may revoke the |
898 | account of a registered play for the following reasons: |
899 | 1. The person provided false information in the |
900 | registration process; |
901 | 2. The registered player has not updated registration |
902 | information to keep it current; |
903 | 3. The registered player has violated the Internet poker |
904 | hub's terms of use agreement; or |
905 | 4. The person has already been registered. |
906 | (j) The Internet poker hub operator may suspend or revoke |
907 | the account of a registered player if the operator suspects the |
908 | registered player has participated in illegal activity on the |
909 | Internet poker hub. |
910 | (k) The Internet poker hub operator shall establish and |
911 | maintain an account for each registered player. The Internet |
912 | poker hub operator shall: |
913 | 1. Provide a means for a registered player to put funds |
914 | into an account; however a registered player shall not increase |
915 | the amount in an account after a game has started and before its |
916 | completion. |
917 | 2. Maintain records on the balance of each registered |
918 | player's account. |
919 | 3. Shall not permit a registered player to place a wager |
920 | unless the player's account has sufficient funds to cover the |
921 | amount of the wager. |
922 | 4. Shall not provide credit to a registered player's |
923 | account or act as agent for a credit provider to facilitate the |
924 | provision of funds. |
925 | 5. Shall provide a means for a registered player to |
926 | transfer money out of his or her account. |
927 | (l) The Internet poker hub operator must put in place |
928 | other systems that provide registered players with the ability |
929 | to control aspects of their play. Upon registration and at each |
930 | time when a registered player logs on to the Internet poker hub, |
931 | the Internet poker hub operator shall permit registered players |
932 | to adjust their play settings to: |
933 | 1. Set a limit on the deposits that can be made per day. |
934 | 2. Set a limit on the amount that can be wagered within a |
935 | specified period of time. |
936 | 3. Set a limit on the losses that may incur within a |
937 | specified period of time. |
938 | 4. Set a limit on the amount of time that can be played |
939 | after logging on to the Internet poker hub. |
940 | 5. Prevent the Internet poker hub from allowing the |
941 | registered player to play for a definite or indefinite period of |
942 | time. |
943 | (m) During play, in order to assist a registered player to |
944 | decide whether to suspend play, the registered player's |
945 | screen shall indicate the following: |
946 | 1. How long the player has been playing. |
947 | 2. The player's winnings or losses since the time of |
948 | last logging on. |
949 | 3. Give an option to the player to end the session or return |
950 | to the game. |
951 | 4. Require the player to confirm that they have read the |
952 | message. |
953 | (18) REGISTERED PLAYER ACCOUNTS; RECORDS AND REPORTS.- |
954 | (a) The Internet poker hub operator must establish a book |
955 | of accounts, regularly audit all financial records, and make the |
956 | records available to the division. The Internet poker hub |
957 | operator must demonstrate that it has a system of maintaining |
958 | records and reports that are readily available to the division. |
959 | The records and reports must include the following: |
960 | 1. Monthly auditable and aggregate financial statements of |
961 | gaming transactions. |
962 | 2. Calculation of all fees payable to government. |
963 | 3. The identity of players. |
964 | 4. The balance on the player's account at the start of a |
965 | session of play. |
966 | 5. The wagers placed on each game which are time stamped by |
967 | the games server. |
968 | 6. The result of each game which are time stamped by the |
969 | games server. |
970 | 7. The amount won or lost by the player. |
971 | 8. The balance on the player's account at the end of the |
972 | game. |
973 | (b) The Internet poker hub operator shall reconcile all |
974 | data logs files regarding the registered players' accounts on a |
975 | monthly basis. |
976 | (19) INTERNET POKER HUB OPERATORS; TECHNICAL SYSTEMS |
977 | REQUIREMENTS.- |
978 | (a) The Internet poker hub operator must put in place |
979 | technical systems that materially aid the division in fulfilling |
980 | its regulatory, consumer protection, and revenue raising |
981 | functions and allow the division unrestricted access to and the |
982 | right to inspect the technical systems. |
983 | (b) The Internet poker hub operator must ensure that the |
984 | network is protected from manipulation or tampering to affect |
985 | the random probabilities of winning plays. |
986 | (c) The Internet poker hub operator must define and |
987 | document its methodology for: |
988 | 1. The development, implementation, and maintenance of |
989 | gaming software in a manner representative of industry best |
990 | practice standards. |
991 | 2. Server connectivity requirements for: |
992 | a. Minimum game server connectivity that ensures players |
993 | are protected from losses due to connectivity problems. |
994 | b. The system's ability to recover all transactions |
995 | involving player funds in the event of a failure or malfunction. |
996 | c. Aborted game procedures. |
997 | 3. All information required for viewing a game interrupted |
998 | due to loss of connectivity shall be recoverable by the system. |
999 | 4. Consumer protection requirements. |
1000 | 5. Responsible advertising, marketing, and promotion |
1001 | that ensure that players are not mislead through advertising or |
1002 | promotional activities, and will ensure that the terms and |
1003 | conditions of their promotions are followed. |
1004 | 6. Anti-money laundering controls. |
1005 | 7. Preventative and detective controls addressing money |
1006 | laundering and fraud risks. |
1007 | |
1008 | The methodologies under this paragraph shall be documented and |
1009 | implemented. |
1010 | (d) The Internet poker hub operator shall retain all such |
1011 | documentation for a minimum of 12 months. |
1012 | (20) FEE FOR PARTICIPATION.-An Internet poker hub operator |
1013 | shall charge a per hand fee or a tournament fee to registered |
1014 | players for the right to participate in authorized games or |
1015 | tournaments conducted on the intrastate Internet poker network. |
1016 | Such fee may be either a flat fee, hourly rate, or a rake |
1017 | subject to the posted maximum amount but must not be based on |
1018 | the amount won by players. The fee must be designated and |
1019 | conspicuously posted on the network prior to the start of each |
1020 | authorized game. |
1021 | (21) PROHIBITED RELATIONSHIPS.- |
1022 | (a) A person employed by or performing any function on |
1023 | behalf of the division shall not: |
1024 | 1. Be an officer, director, owner, or employee of any |
1025 | person or entity licensed by the division; or |
1026 | 2. Have or hold any interest, direct or indirect, in or |
1027 | engage in any commerce or business relationship with any person |
1028 | licensed by the division. |
1029 | (b) An employee of the division or relative living in the |
1030 | same household as such employee of the division shall not play |
1031 | at any time on the intrastate Internet poker network. |
1032 | (c) An occupational licensee or relative living in the |
1033 | same household as such occupational licensee shall not play at |
1034 | any time on the intrastate Internet poker network. |
1035 | (22) PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES.- |
1036 | (a) No person licensed as an Internet poker hub operator |
1037 | or cardroom affiliate may conduct any game not specifically |
1038 | authorized by this section. |
1039 | (b) No person under 21 years of age may be permitted to |
1040 | hold an intrastate Internet poker occupational license, or |
1041 | engage in any game conducted therein. |
1042 | (c) Except as otherwise provided by law and in addition to |
1043 | any other penalty, any person who knowingly makes or causes to |
1044 | be made, or aids, assists, or procures another to make, a false |
1045 | statement in any report, disclosure, application, or any other |
1046 | document required under this section or any rule adopted under |
1047 | this section is subject to an administrative fine of up to |
1048 | $10,000. |
1049 | (d) All penalties imposed and collected under this section |
1050 | must be deposited into the Pari-mutuel Wagering Trust Fund of |
1051 | the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. |
1052 | (23) LICENSE FEES; TAXES; PENALTIES.- |
1053 | (a) LICENSE FEE.- |
1054 | 1. Upon submission of the initial application for an |
1055 | Internet poker hub operator license, as prescribed by the |
1056 | division, the licensee must pay to the division a nonrefundable |
1057 | license fee of $500,000. |
1058 | 2. Annually thereafter, on the anniversary date of the |
1059 | issuance of the initial license, an Internet poker hub operator |
1060 | shall pay 10 percent of the monthly gross receipts derived from |
1061 | the play of intrastate Internet poker during previous state |
1062 | fiscal year. |
1063 | 3. Upon submission of the initial application for a |
1064 | cardroom affiliate license and annually thereafter, as |
1065 | prescribed by the division, the licensee must pay to the |
1066 | division a nonrefundable license fee of $1,000 for the |
1067 | succeeding 12 months of licensure. |
1068 | 4. The license fees shall be deposited into the Pari- |
1069 | mutuel Wagering Trust Fund of the Department of Business and |
1070 | Professional Regulation to be used by the division for |
1071 | regulation, investigations, and enforcement of intrastate |
1072 | Internet poker provisions under this chapter. These payments |
1073 | shall be accounted for separately from taxes or fees paid |
1074 | pursuant to the provisions of chapter 550, chapter 551 and s. |
1075 | 849.086. |
1076 | (b) Each Internet poker hub operator shall pay a tax to |
1077 | the state of 20 percent of the monthly gross receipts derived |
1078 | from the play of intrastate Internet poker. |
1079 | (c) Payment of the gross receipts tax imposed by this |
1080 | section shall be paid to the division. All Internet poker hub |
1081 | operators and cardroom affiliates shall remit the gross receipts |
1082 | tax and licensee fees to the division to be deposited with the |
1083 | Chief Financial Officer, to the credit of the Pari-mutuel |
1084 | Wagering Trust Fund of the Department of Business and |
1085 | Professional Regulation. Such payments shall be remitted to the |
1086 | division by electronic funds transfer on the 5th day of each |
1087 | calendar month for taxes and fees imposed for the preceding |
1088 | month's intrastate Internet poker activities. Licensees shall |
1089 | file a report under oath by the 5th day of each calendar month |
1090 | for all taxes remitted during the preceding calendar month. Such |
1091 | payments shall be accompanied by a report under oath showing all |
1092 | intrastate Internet poker activities for the preceding calendar |
1093 | month, and containing such other information as may be |
1094 | prescribed by the division. |
1095 | (d) Each cardroom affiliate shall use at least 4 percent |
1096 | of its monthly gross receipts from the play of intrastate |
1097 | Internet poker to supplement pari-mutuel purses and prize money. |
1098 | The disposition of the intrastate Internet poker supplement may |
1099 | be decided by the contractual arrangement between the cardroom |
1100 | affiliate and the associations representing the respective horse |
1101 | racing breeders and owners, greyhound racing breeders and |
1102 | owners, or jai alai players, but it must be paid during the |
1103 | pari-mutuel permitholder's next ensuing meet. |
1104 | (e) A licensee who fails to make tax payments as required |
1105 | under this section is subject to an administrative penalty of up |
1106 | to $10,000 for each day the tax payment is not remitted. All |
1107 | penalties imposed and collected shall be deposited in the Pari- |
1108 | mutuel Wagering Trust Fund. If a licensee fails to pay penalties |
1109 | imposed by order of the division under this subsection, the |
1110 | division may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of |
1111 | an Internet poker hub operator or cardroom affiliate. |
1112 | (f) All of the moneys deposited in the Pari-mutuel |
1113 | Wagering Trust Fund, except as set forth in paragraph (h), shall |
1114 | be utilized and distributed in the manner specified in s. |
1115 | 550.135(1) and (2). |
1116 | (24) SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, OR DENIAL OF LICENSE; FINE.- |
1117 | (a) The division may deny a license or the renewal |
1118 | thereof, or may suspend or revoke any license: |
1119 | 1. When the applicant or licensee has violated or failed |
1120 | to comply with the provisions of this section or any rules |
1121 | adopted pursuant to this section. |
1122 | 2. When the applicant or licensee has knowingly caused, |
1123 | aided, abetted, or conspired with another to cause any person to |
1124 | violate this section or any rules adopted pursuant to this |
1125 | section. |
1126 | 3. When the applicant or licensee has obtained a license |
1127 | or permit by fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment. |
1128 | 4. When the licensee is no longer eligible under this |
1129 | section. |
1130 | (b) If a cardroom affiliate's pari-mutuel permit or |
1131 | license is suspended or revoked by the division pursuant to |
1132 | chapter 550, or its cardroom operator's license is suspended or |
1133 | revoked by the division pursuant to s. 849.086, the division |
1134 | may, but is not required to, suspend or revoke such cardroom |
1135 | affiliate's license. If a cardroom affiliate's license is |
1136 | suspended or revoked pursuant to this section, the division may, |
1137 | but is not required to, suspend or revoke such licensee's |
1138 | cardroom operator's license. |
1139 | (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, |
1140 | the division may impose an administrative fine, not to exceed |
1141 | $10,000 for each violation, on any person who has violated or |
1142 | failed to comply with this section or any rules adopted pursuant |
1143 | thereto. |
1144 | (25) PENALTIES.-The division may revoke or suspend any |
1145 | Internet poker hub operator or cardroom affiliate license issued |
1146 | under this section upon the willful violation by the Internet |
1147 | poker hub operator licensee or the cardroom affiliate of any |
1148 | provision of this section or of any rule adopted under this |
1149 | section. In lieu of suspending or revoking an Internet poker hub |
1150 | operator license or a cardroom affiliate license, the division |
1151 | may impose an administrative fine that shall not exceed $100,000 |
1152 | for each count or separate offense against the Internet poker |
1153 | hub operator or cardroom affiliate for a violation of this |
1154 | section or any rule adopted by the division. All penalties |
1155 | imposed and collected must be deposited into the Pari-mutuel |
1156 | Wagering Trust Fund of the Department of Business and |
1157 | Professional Regulation. |
1158 | (26) RULEMAKING.-The division may adopt rules pursuant to |
1159 | ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer the provisions of this |
1160 | chapter. |
1161 | (27) LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY; ADMINISTRATION OF SECTION.-The |
1162 | Legislature finds and declares that it has exclusive authority |
1163 | over the conduct of intrastate Internet poker in this state. As |
1164 | provided by law, only the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering and |
1165 | other authorized state agencies shall administer this section |
1166 | and regulate the intrastate Internet poker industry in the |
1167 | state, including operation of Internet poker hub operators and |
1168 | cardroom affiliates, the play of authorized games, and the |
1169 | Internet poker computer systems authorized in this section and |
1170 | the rules adopted by the division. |
1171 | Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2010. |