Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 30, 2017

State Sen. Dana Young on Monday filed her own version of a bill that would legalize and regulate fantasy sports play. The Tampa Republican’s “Fantasy Contest Amusement Act” (SB 592) declares such games to “involve the skill of contest participants and do not constitute gambling, gaming, or games of chance.” And it would prohibit the playing of fantasy […]

Jim RosicaDecember 29, 2016

With the Florida Supreme Court‘s opinion releases on winter break till Jan. 12, several high-profile cases will remain unresolved in 2016. Here are a few, starting with the court’s official case summary: — Debaun v. State of Florida: “This case asks whether laws governing sexually transmissible diseases apply only when the parties involved are a man and […]

Jim RosicaNovember 22, 2016

Answering a $3 billion question, Senate President Joe Negron Tuesday said he backed passage next session of a renewed gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. But Negron also said he was comfortable with related initiatives gambling opponents have said constitute an expansion of gambling in the Sunshine State. For instance, regarding counties that […]

Jim RosicaNovember 1, 2016

Gambling regulators have begun warning the state’s card rooms to change their games. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has started sending form letters to advise card room operators about a final agency order on designated-player games. Last week, the department adopted an administrative law judge’s findings that those games, similar to poker, were “unauthorized” […]

Jim RosicaOctober 24, 2016

It’s been nearly five months since the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments over whether to expand slot machines in the state. Though the justices never set a timeline on when to expect a decision, the smart money says: Expect something by early next year. That’s because that’s when the Legislature will start drawing up the state budget, […]

Ryan RayJune 10, 2016

A group of dog racing track owners and other gaming interests filed a brief with the Florida Supreme Court on Friday urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and the high court to nix a proposed amendment to the state constitution that could expand gambling by allowing counties to hold referendums on the matter. The amendment’s opponents — including the […]

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

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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 […]

Jim RosicaMay 19, 2016

It’s not clear whether a proposed gambling-control amendment will help or hinder the state’s finances. A panel of state economists stalemated this week on the financial impact of the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference’s final report was hand-delivered to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Ken Detzner on Thursday. A summary reads: “The […]

Peter SchorschMay 15, 2016

As he gets ready to “go home,” as departing legislators like to say, outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner has no regrets or hard feelings. He did have choice words regarding lobbyists for gambling concerns, however: They “just get greedy.” Gardiner, an opponent of gambling expansion, recently sat down with Capital Correspondent Jim Rosica for an “exit interview.” He leaves office later this […]

Tag: gaming
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Dana Young files fantasy sports bill

High-profile Supreme Court cases still hanging fire at year’s end

Joe Negron will support new Seminole Compact next session

State starts enforcing card game decision

Slot machine decision could come in time for session

Gaming interests in SCOFL brief: Leave expansion amendment off the ballot

Bevy of big cases awaits state Supreme Court

Dan Gelber will represent anti-gambling amendment

Economists uncertain of gambling amendment’s effect

Peter Schorsch: From the ‘gambling boys’ to (un)popularity contests