Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressMarch 26, 2015

The push to bring Las Vegas-resort-style casinos to South Florida is stalling again this year as the Legislature remains divided over what type of gambling to allow in the state. A major gambling bill sponsored by a top House Republican that includes the casino proposal has yet to be voted on — and it may […]

Phil AmmannMarch 25, 2015

A new TV ad from the Seminole Tribe of Florida says they have “met or exceeded” expectations by providing more than $1 billion in gambling revenue to fund education, support services and help control gaming. The Tribe launched its third 30-second television ad Wednesday, airing first in Tallahassee followed by media markets across the state. […]

Staff ReportsMarch 12, 2015

A Mason-Dixon poll publicized by the Florida Greyhound Association finds that nearly seven out of 10 Floridians are opposed to turning increasingly out-of-fashion dog racing tracks into casinos — at least without a referendum. “Floridians are sending a loud message to the Legislature: Don’t turn greyhound tracks into casinos on your own,” said Jim Blanchard, president […]

Guest AuthorMarch 6, 2015

For decades casino lobbyists have tried to turn Florida into Las Vegas. But they have been turned back time and again by voters, legislators, governors and business groups that understand the toxic nature of gambling economics. But gambling lobbyists are back again, this time pushing for the biggest expansion of gambling in Florida’s history. There […]

Associated PressMarch 3, 2015

The Seminole Tribe is running television ads in hopes of convincing lawmakers to renegotiate its gambling compact. The ads began airing Tuesday, the day after a major gambling bill was filed that would allow two massive casinos in South Florida and allow slot machines at dog tracks in Palm Beach and Lee counties The 30-second […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 11, 2015

The well-publicized closings of four casinos and corresponding loss of some 8,000 jobs in Atlantic City in 2014 – with the future of the nearly 3,000-employee Trump Taj Mahal also highly uncertain as we entered the New Year – has stirred renewed debate about the years-long fight to prevent Malaysian and Las Vegas gambling conglomerates […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 11, 2015

The well-publicized closings of four casinos and corresponding loss of some 8,000 jobs in Atlantic City in 2014 – with the future of the nearly 3,000-employee Trump Taj Mahal also highly uncertain as we entered the New Year – has stirred renewed debate about the years-long fight to prevent Malaysian and Las Vegas gambling conglomerates […]

Guest AuthorApril 8, 2014

Florida has always been a very conservative state when it comes to gambling. Voters rejected casino gambling three time (1978, 1986 and 1994). The state aggressively challenged the Seminole Tribe when they opened a high stakes bingo parlor in 1979. Even the state lottery was not approved until 1984. Pursuant to Article X section 7 […]

Guest AuthorNovember 18, 2013

Thirty-five years ago, I found myself, notebook in hand, sitting across a large desk from a man named Jim Crosby as he told me how his company, Resorts International, was going to revive Atlantic City. Back then, Atlantic City was a faded, sad, down-at-the-heels coastal town with nothing but the blue sea to attract visitors […]

Bob SparksNovember 17, 2013

In 2014, Florida’s legislators will make a significant policy decision when they decide whether to give the green light for an expansion of gambling. Both sides of the issue are well armed. Supporters of expanded gambling have lobbyists and public relations people. Those against more casinos have plenty of advocates, including a number of legislators. […]

Tag: casinos

Push for resort casinos stalls in Legislature

Seminole Tribe releases 3rd TV spot calling for Compact renewal

Poll: Floridians oppose converting dog tracks into casinos

John Sowinski: Dana Young's gambling bill encourages parasite casinos

Seminole Tribe airs ad in support of new gambling compact

Carol Dover: Megacasinos would cannibalize local businesses

Carol Dover: Megacasinos would cannibalize local businesses

Jeff Kottkamp: Legislature should be wary of turning dog tracks into mini-casinos

Steve Robinson: Are we a nation of croupiers and cocktail waitresses?

Bob Sparks: A generation later, Floridians more open to gaming