Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiOctober 28, 2016

In marketing a pro-slots referendum in historically conservative Duval County, resources matter … and Jacksonville Greyhound Racing is committing real money. In the most recent reporting period, encompassing dates from Oct. 15 to Oct. 21, the company gave $500,000 more to Families for Safety and Prosperity, the political committee organized to market the effort to permit slots to […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 21, 2016

“Families for Safety and Prosperity,” the state political committee organized to sell the Jacksonville referendum allowing slots at the bestbet location near Regency Mall, had a very good week between Oct. 8 and 14. A million-dollar week, to be exact. The pro-slots committee raised $1 million with two $500,000 checks from Jacksonville Greyhound Racing on Oct. 11 and […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 26, 2016

This month, pari-mutuel provider bestbet has been recognized by the state of Florida as a top private employer in Duval County, creating hundreds of jobs countywide between its Jacksonville and Orange Park facilities. A licensed pari-mutuel offering poker, simulcast and racing entertainment options, bestbet operates locations in both Duval and Clay counties. In a letter to […]

Jim RosicaAugust 22, 2016

Florida gambling regulators have objected to parts of an administrative law judge’s ruling on poker-style card games being run at a Jacksonville card room. The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, filed exceptions last week to Judge Suzanne Van Wyk‘s Aug. 1. order. Specifically, it disagrees with her decision to dismiss part […]

Jim RosicaAugust 2, 2016

A Jacksonville pari-mutuel is breaking the state’s ban on blackjack-style card games, an administrative law judge said Monday. In what is considered a test case on wildly popular poker-type games, Judge Suzanne Van Wyk determined Jacksonville Kennel Club, operating as the bestbet Jacksonville poker room, was “conducting unauthorized card games” and recommended a $4,500 fine. Though such games reportedly bring in […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 20, 2016

Looks like gambling executive Jamie Shelton will be the city of Jacksonville’s “best bet” to replace John Rood on the JAXPORT board. The office of Mayor Lenny Curry will be advancing his name to replace Rood, multiple sources in the mayor’s office confirmed. “Jamie will bring a great deal of experience to the JAXPORT Board,” said Curry. “His […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 21, 2016

The proposed referendum allowing local gambling magnate bestbet to bring 2,000 slots, if approved by voters in a November vote, to their Arlington location, cleared the Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee Monday. Tuesday, it was the Rules committee’s turn to push their green buttons in support. In a unanimous Tuesday afternoon vote that had about as much drama […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 20, 2016

“You won’t have Gulliford to kick around anymore.” Those Nixonian words, said by Finance Chair Bill Gulliford at the end of the last committee meeting under his chairmanship, kicked off the agenda meeting, a prelude to the last Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee meeting before leadership of the Council and committees changes at the end of […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 9, 2016

Alas, there were no slot machines in the Lynwood Roberts Room for demonstration purposes. None of the earmarks of a casino. No young women selling packs of cigarettes. And very little in the way of entertainment in a committee workshop that had about as much drama as an algebra equation. Rather, there were just the familiar […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 24, 2016

Looks like things are going well with bestbet’s sales pitch to the Jacksonville City Council. Six co-sponsors are already on board with the bill, Jamie Shelton of bestbet said in a Tuesday morning meeting. bestbet will pitch itself as a good community partner in seeking approval of the bill by the Council and in selling a November referendum […]

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Image via Palatka Main Street.

Jacksonville Greyhound Racing spends $500K more on slots referendum

$1M week of fundraising for Jacksonville slots committee

Rick Scott honors bestbet Jacksonville for commitment to job creation

State files exceptions to card game ruling

Judge rules poker-style card games break state law

Jamie Shelton to replace John Rood on JAXPORT board

Slots bill scores with final Jax Council committee

Slots bill hits jackpot in Jax Council Finance committee

Jax Council committees workshop slots legislation

bestbet positioning itself well with Jax City Council on slots referendum