Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

The panel behind a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling again posted no new fundraising as of its April report. But Voters in Charge has nearly burned through the $195,000 given to it as seed money from the No Casinos anti-gambling expansion organization — awkwardly misspelled in a report as “No Cashinos.” The committee’s campaign finance report […]

Jim RosicaMay 6, 2016

Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking the state Supreme Court to review a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling. Bondi sent a letter to the court Friday, asking it to judge the initiative’s “validity.” The request, however, is pro forma. It’s required under law when an initiative garners enough signatures. As of Friday, the Voter Control of Gambling […]

Jim RosicaApril 27, 2016

If it’s approved, would a proposed constitutional amendment outlaw currently legal kinds of gambling? A panel of state economic analysts debated the question on Tuesday. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference, a slate of economists for the Legislature and executive branches, held a public workshop in Tallahassee on the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. It would “ensure that Florida […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2016

Gambling interests have lined up in the Capitol to lobby for their long-held dream of remaking Florida in the image of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. As the Legislature considers their requests for more and bigger casinos, I would caution the following: Not so fast. Any action the Legislature may take to expand gambling – […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

The group behind a proposed constitutional amendment to give voters more control over gambling says it’s gathered 100,000 signatures toward getting on the 2018 ballot. The Voters In Charge committee on Monday said it is sending its latest collected signature to county Supervisors of Elections so they can be validated. The committee is chaired by John Sowinski, who […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

The votes against a new Indian gambling agreement started piling up Wednesday, as senators verbally shellacked Gov. Rick Scott’s policy guru about the terms of the deal. The Regulated Industries Committee, oversees the state’s gambling industry, held a workshop on the Seminole Compact, with Scott policy director Jeff Woodburn acting as point man to formally present […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 19, 2016

The head of an anti-gambling expansion group Tuesday announced a three-front war as lawmakers prepare to consider a sweeping deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that he said could “lead to the largest gambling expansion in state history.” John Sowinski, president of the Orlando-based No Casinos, told reporters he plans a legislative, legal and […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

This is one of two gambling stories in advance of the 2016 Legislative Session. For a separate preview of gambling issues besides the Seminole Compact, click here. The back-and-forth and backroom dealing is over, and lawmakers soon will publicly comb through the new blackjack deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The 63-page document […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

The head of an anti-gambling expansion group says a new Florida Chamber of Commerce poll “paints an inaccurate picture of public opinion” regarding a new proposed blackjack agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. On Thursday, the Chamber released poll results showing three-quarters of voters say blackjack “has been good for the state” and that […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

The Florida Chamber of Commerce came out in support of the new Seminole Compact on Thursday, releasing poll results showing three-quarters of voters say the blackjack deal “has been good for the state.” The deal, negotiated by Gov. Rick Scott, allows the Seminole Tribe of Florida to continue offering blackjack at its casinos in return for […]

Tag: John Sowinski
Laurel Lee seeks to block the prison contraband pipeline.

Gambling amendment group not fundraising

Pam Bondi asks court to review gambling initiative

Economists puzzle over proposed gambling amendment

John Sowinski: Gambling proposals may violate Florida Constitution

Anti-gambling amendment cracks 100,000-signature mark

Senate starts dissecting new Seminole blackjack deal

No Casinos promises multifront war on gambling

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Seminole Compact faces skeptical Legislature

No Casinos blasts Chamber poll on Seminole Compact

Chamber of Commerce poll shows support for Seminole blackjack deal