Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 26, 2018

Updated 5:45 p.m. Sunday — One gaming lobbyist still isn’t convinced the Legislature will pass comprehensive legislation this year, texting in response to our story, “Zombie bill of the session.” — The House’s gambling bill for 2018 on Sunday was added to the Commerce Committee‘s agenda for Monday. The legislation (HB 7067) was added minutes before […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 22, 2018

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is airing an ad in the Tallahassee market urging passage of a new gambling deal between the Tribe and the state. But with lawmakers saying their “bandwidth” has been sapped by a fight over the 2018-19 budget and by a legislative response to the Broward County high school shooting, it’s […]

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 […]

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 […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 2, 2018

You’d think Joe Negron would have learned by now that when it comes to gambling and the Legislature, you can’t always get what you want. Actually, you can’t even get what you need. But when it comes to what’s fair for voters, shouldn’t you fight like hell? In a media availability after Thursday’s floor session, […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 9, 2018

A roundtable of state economists Tuesday decided to take a pass on adopting a forecast for Indian gambling dollars that flow to the state. The Seminole Tribe of Florida pays over $200 million a year into state coffers as part of a deal that guarantees it exclusivity to offer certain games, especially blackjack. And even […]

Jim RosicaDecember 11, 2017

Gambling regulators plan to “update and clarify existing language” in the state’s rules on card games, according to an administrative notice posted Monday. A “notice of development of rulemaking” was published in the Florida Administrative Register. An all-day workshop will be held Jan. 4, at the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering’s North Broward Regional Service Center […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 9, 2017

The Florida Senate is about to tackle gaming issues again. Sen. Travis Hutson‘s latest bill (SB 840) is less ambitious in scope than previous efforts, focusing on four topics: fantasy contests, greyhound and horse racing decoupling, slot machine taxes, and designated player games at pari-mutuel card rooms. “I am excited to take the lead on gaming for […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2017

Ed. Note — Story was updated Tuesday with comment from Pensacola track spokeswoman. State gambling regulators have filed administrative complaints against two racetracks in recent weeks, alleging that they’ve been offering illegal card games. One complaint was lodged Aug. 17 against Pensacola Greyhound Track & Poker Room, and another was filed last Thursday against the Sarasota Kennel […]

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: gaming

It lives: House gambling bill back for Monday

Seminole Tribe ad is a Hail Mary for a gambling deal

Ante up: Senate files new 90-page gambling bill

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution

Joe Negron and a reckoning (or not) on gambling

All in—or out? Gambling revenue puzzles state economists

Ante up: State to workshop new rules for card games

Senate gaming bill promises ‘attainable reform’

State files illegal card game complaints in Pensacola, Sarasota

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