Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 30, 2018

If a video game looks, plays and pays out like a slot machine, it’s a slot machine — even if you know whether you’re going to win or lose, an appellate court ruled Thursday. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal found that what’s known as pre-reveal games, specifically the kind […]

Jim RosicaJuly 17, 2018

If a video game looks like a slot machine, plays like a slot machine, and pays out like a slot machine, is it still a slot machine if you know whether you’re going to win or lose? No, said an attorney for a Jacksonville company that distributes what are called “pre-reveal” games, which can be found across […]

Jim RosicaDecember 11, 2017

Fantasy sports advocates have said their hobby is a game of skill and shouldn’t be considered gambling. There’s one sticking point with that position in Florida: A state law prohibits betting on games of skill, making it a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail. But a state Senator backing a bill to […]

Jim RosicaDecember 7, 2017

A proposal to exempt fantasy sports from state gambling regulation cleared a Senate committee Thursday—but with one notable opponent. “I don’t think the issues raised are clear,” said Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican and vice-chair of the Regulated Industries Committee, which handles gambling policy. Aside from Hukill’s ‘no’ vote, that committee otherwise moved […]

Jim RosicaDecember 6, 2017

State Sen. Dana Young is defending her fantasy sports bill for 2018, saying the Seminole Tribe’s criticism of her measure and related legislation is “off point.” On Wednesday, the Tampa Republican referred to a February legal opinion by former Florida Supreme Court Justice Ken Bell for DraftKings, a leading fantasy sports website. The day before, the […]

Jim RosicaDecember 6, 2017

The Seminole Tribe of Florida‘s top in-house lawyer told lawmakers this week that their fantasy sports bills are a dealbreaker. A $200 million dealbreaker. The Tribe now says fantasy sports bills filed for the 2018 Legislative Session, if passed, would violate the Seminole Compact. That’s the gambling agreement struck by the state and the Seminoles […]

Jim RosicaOctober 3, 2017

Rep. Jason Brodeur has again filed legislation to exempt fantasy sports play from state gambling regulation. The Sanford Republican filed his measure (HB 223) Tuesday. It comes less than a week after Sen. Dana Young filed her own fantasy sports bill (SB 374) for the 2018 Legislative Session. Brodeur had filed a similar bill last session. His latest bill says fantasy […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaJuly 12, 2017

As expected, a Tallahassee judge has entered a written order following his decision last month that he had gotten it “wrong the first time” and said games known as “pre-reveal” are in fact illegal slot machines. Circuit Judge John Cooper this week filed a “final declaratory judgment,” which allows Gator Coin II—the Jacksonville company that distributes the games—to now appeal to […]

Jim RosicaJune 19, 2017

Lawyers for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games—a name they apparently disdain—will appear Monday afternoon in a Tallahassee courtroom. Circuit Judge John Cooper agreed to hear argument on why he should reconsider his previous ruling that the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. The devices in question use a specific software known as “Version 67.” The […]

Tag: games of chance

Court says ‘pre-reveal’ games that play like slots are illegal

What’s a slot machine? Florida court will decide

Obscure Florida law prompts need for fantasy sports legislation

Fantasy sports bill moves after one high-profile ‘no’ vote

Seminole Tribe criticism of fantasy sports is ‘off point,’ Dana Young says

Seminole Tribe fires warning letter to Legislature over fantasy sports

Jason Brodeur files ‘fantasy sports’ bill for 2018

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

Judge files order after ruling ‘pre-reveal’ games are illegal slots

Lawyers to face off in hearing over ‘pre-reveal’ games