While this seems to have signed in April, the full interpretation of the bill has met with some interesting stipulations. According to the bill, it is illegal to "design, engage in, promote or conduct any drawing in which the winner is predetermined by means of matching, instant win, or preselected sweepstakes or otherwise."
Further down, the law defines a slot machine as a device or network of devices that can participate in a game of chance that dispenses anything, including something that has no value.
Its quite true that the law could be interpreted as all computers, since the wording says that any "machine or network of devices" that may be used in a game of chance. Since computer games basically fall into this broad wording, any device, including Consoles, Smartphones, and PC devices can fall into the category of "a gambling device." With Smartphones able to download any kind of gambling program, it is possible for the law to fine you and take away your phone.
Of course no one will arrest you for having a smartphone, but this is a great example on how wording of a law is key in creating a balanced form of law in the land. Lawsuits are pending on the wording of the law, but the law was put into effect on April 10, 2013.
Original Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/florida-banned-computers_n_3561701.html
Further down, the law defines a slot machine as a device or network of devices that can participate in a game of chance that dispenses anything, including something that has no value.
any machine or device or system or network of devices that is adapted for use in such a way that, upon activation, which may be achieved by, but is not limited to, the insertion of any piece of money, coin, account number, code, or other object or information, such device or system is directly or indirectly caused to operate or may by operated and if the user, whether by application of skill or by reason of any element of chance or any other outcome unpredictable by the user, may:
(a) Receive or become entitled to receive any piece of money, credit, allowance, or thing of value, or any check, slug, token, or memorandum, whether of value or otherwise, which may be exchanged for any money, credit, allowance, or thing of value or which may be given in trade; or
(b) Secure additional chances or rights to use such machine, apparatus, or device, even though the device or system may be available for free play or, in addition to any element of chance or unpredictable outcome of such operation, may also sell, deliver, or present some merchandise, indication of weight, entertainment, or other thing of value. The term "slot machine or device" includes, but is not limited to, devices regulated as slot machines pursuant to chapter 551.
(a) Receive or become entitled to receive any piece of money, credit, allowance, or thing of value, or any check, slug, token, or memorandum, whether of value or otherwise, which may be exchanged for any money, credit, allowance, or thing of value or which may be given in trade; or
(b) Secure additional chances or rights to use such machine, apparatus, or device, even though the device or system may be available for free play or, in addition to any element of chance or unpredictable outcome of such operation, may also sell, deliver, or present some merchandise, indication of weight, entertainment, or other thing of value. The term "slot machine or device" includes, but is not limited to, devices regulated as slot machines pursuant to chapter 551.
Its quite true that the law could be interpreted as all computers, since the wording says that any "machine or network of devices" that may be used in a game of chance. Since computer games basically fall into this broad wording, any device, including Consoles, Smartphones, and PC devices can fall into the category of "a gambling device." With Smartphones able to download any kind of gambling program, it is possible for the law to fine you and take away your phone.
Of course no one will arrest you for having a smartphone, but this is a great example on how wording of a law is key in creating a balanced form of law in the land. Lawsuits are pending on the wording of the law, but the law was put into effect on April 10, 2013.
Original Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/florida-banned-computers_n_3561701.html
