Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Jim RosicaJuly 21, 2016

Boyd Gaming Corp., which bills itself as “one of the largest and most successful casino entertainment companies in the United States,” has ended its relationship with its Tallahassee-based lobbyists. Lobbying registration records accessed Thursday show the casino company’s representation by The Mayernick Group was “canceled” last Monday. Firm principal Frank Mayernick declined comment and Boyd spokesman David Strow did […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2016

If voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling, will Floridians no longer be able to play Mega Millions? That’s the question being asked by opponents of the citizen initiative behind the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. Specifically, the amendment aims to give voters more control over the expansion of gambling in the state. The amendment is now before […]

Scott PowersJuly 14, 2016

A new poll commissioned and released Thursday by the anti-gambling group No Casinos finds overwhelming majorities of Florida voters expressing strong reservations about the expansion of gaming and the politicians who would support such expansion. The poll, conducted by Hill Research Associates, found 75 percent of the voters surveyed did not think more gambling would […]

Jim RosicaJune 30, 2016

The lawyer for a proposed constitutional amendment limiting gambling in Florida fired back against critics, saying their arguments have “no basis in law.” Dan Gelber, the lawyer for Voters In Charge, the committee behind the amendment, filed an answer brief with the Florida Supreme Court Wednesday. The Voter Control of Gambling amendment would give Floridians more control over […]

Jim RosicaJune 20, 2016

Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling are asking permission from the Florida Supreme Court to argue against it at a future hearing. Marc Dunbar, a lawyer-lobbyist who represents dog and horse tracks, filed a request for oral argument Monday, court dockets show. He filed on behalf of “Floridians for Clarity in Gaming Control.” […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2016

The state of Florida and its Seminole Tribe each have filed motions for summary judgment in an ongoing gambling dispute. Both are locked in a federal-court dispute over whether the Seminoles’ casinos can continue to have blackjack tables, including casinos located in Tampa and in South Florida. The separate motions were filed last week. Granting such motions allows parties […]

Jim RosicaJune 6, 2016

Thanks to No Casinos, gambling is on the docket this week in the Florida Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the justices will hear oral argument in a case on whether to expand slot machines in the state. Then on Thursday, legal briefs are due in a review of a proposed constitutional amendment limiting gambling. Both matters involve the Orlando-based group opposed […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

A plethora of high-profile matters is scheduled for argument before the Florida Supreme Court next week. The state’s justices will consider questions related to gambling, guns, capital punishment and medical malpractice. Another case involves claim bills, passed by lawmakers to pay people for injuries suffered at the hands of government or a public entity. Still two others involve attorneys […]

Jim RosicaMay 24, 2016

Screen-Shot-2016-05-24-at-8.34.43-AM-3500x5000.png

A former state Senator has signed on to represent the backers of a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling. Florida Supreme Court records show Miami attorney Dan Gelber filed a notice of appearance on behalf of Voters In Charge, the committee behind the amendment. Gelber, 55, also was Democratic leader when he served in the House and unsuccessfully […]

Tag: Gambling

Judge rules poker-style card games break state law

Boyd Gaming cancels Florida lobbying contract

Would Mega Millions be off limits under gambling amendment?

Anti-gambling group’s poll shows overwhelming concern about gambling in Florida

Gambling amendment lawyer defends initiative

Gambling advocates seek oral argument against amendment

State and tribe seek end to Indian gambling lawsuit

Supreme Court takes up gambling this week

Bevy of big cases awaits state Supreme Court

Dan Gelber will represent anti-gambling amendment