Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 28, 2018

Despite the end of a legal truce between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state this Saturday, don’t expect the Tribe’s gambling money to stop flowing to Florida’s coffers, its longtime outside lawyer said. That’s also despite lawmakers’ failure, once again, to pass comprehensive gambling law reform or renew the revenue sharing agreement between […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 12, 2018

Sen. Travis Hutson says he believes “there’s a way for us to get there” when asked about gambling legislation finally passing the Legislature this year. The Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax on Monday unanimously approved his 90-page rewrite of the Senate’s gaming bill (SB 840) for 2018. It now includes a House provision: A renewed 20-year […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 12, 2018

The Senate made some big moves Friday in the annual legislative dance that is the negotiation for an omnibus gambling bill. The biggest move: The chamber now includes a renewed 20-year deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida for $3 billion in revenue over seven years in return for exclusive rights to blackjack and slot […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 7, 2018

Let me offer some short, free and subtle (ahem) advice to our friends, The Seminole Tribe of Florida. Go easy. Our man in Tallahassee, Jim Rosica, reported this week that the Tribe’s lawyer “said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state.” They won’t agree to a new Seminole […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate’s point man on gambling issues Tuesday said he sees “a way forward” on a grand gambling bargain—but also suggested lawmakers may have to fold ’em and walk away. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is representing his chamber as he and House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva try to land a comprehensive gambling bill that’s eluded […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2018

A lawyer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state and won’t agree to a new deal unless “the games end.” Barry Richard, the Tribe’s outside counsel, and tribal leaders met with Sen. Bill Galvano and Rep. Jose Oliva this week […]

Jim RosicaDecember 13, 2017

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has filed suit against 25 operators of what’s called “electronic gambling parlors” in the Jacksonville area, saying they violate the Tribe’s deal with the state to exclusively offer Vegas-style games. The suit was filed in Duval County Circuit Civil court last week, records show. The gambling parlors “infringe upon the […]

Jim RosicaNovember 2, 2017

The Florida Lottery and the House of Representatives have told an appellate court they’re “on a pathway to resolution” regarding a pending lawsuit over the agency’s $700 million contract for new equipment. But the settlement in question may require legislative approval, a filing in the case now suggests. The parties filed a status report with the 1st […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 5, 2017

The Florida Lottery and the House of Representatives are seeking an extension in which to settle a pending lawsuit over a $700 million contract for new equipment, court records show. Lottery outside counsel Barry Richard and House general counsel Adam Tanenbaum asked the 1st District Court of Appeal that they “be permitted to provide another status […]

Jim RosicaAugust 21, 2017

An appellate court was on the verge of rejecting an appeal of a lower court’s decision that entertainment devices known as “pre-reveal” games are in fact illegal slot machines. Dockets at the 1st District Court of Appeal show that Gator Coin II—the Jacksonville company that distributes the games—was ordered to show “why this appeal should not […]

Tag: Barry Richard

Sure bet? Seminole gambling money will keep flowing, lawyer says

Double or nothing? Senate gambling bill clears latest panel

Ante up: Senate files new 90-page gambling bill

Maybe it’s time for the Seminole Tribe to make a deal

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution

Seminole Tribe ‘insulted,’ doesn’t need gambling deal, lawyer says

Seminole Tribe now going after Jax ‘gambling parlors’

Lottery, House close to settling suit over $700M contract

Sides seek more time in $700M Lottery lawsuit

Court asks why it shouldn’t dismiss ‘pre-reveal’ appeal