Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 5, 2017

A federal judge has turned down a request by a North Florida race track to alter his ruling allowing the Seminole Tribe of Florida to keep blackjack at its casinos. But the loss turned out to be a win for the track’s own card games. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued his order Wednesday. Gretna Racing in Gadsden County had moved to intervene last […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 2, 2017

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has objected to a request by a North Florida race track to alter a federal judge’s ruling allowing the tribe to keep blackjack at its casinos. Greenberg Traurig attorney Barry Richard, who represents the Tribe, filed his memorandum in opposition to Gretna Racing’s motion to intervene last week, court records show. Its attorneys, David Romanik and […]

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 RosicaDecember 20, 2016

A federal judge has rejected the state’s request to reconsider his ruling allowing the Seminole Tribe of Florida to keep blackjack at its casinos. In a two-page order, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle said the “original opinion correctly analyzes the issues.” Hinkle had ruled that regulators working under Gov. Rick Scott allowed dog and horse tracks to offer […]

Jim RosicaDecember 20, 2016

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is opposing the state’s asking a federal judge to reconsider his decision to let the Tribe keep blackjack at its casinos. The tribe filed a legal memo last week in opposition to the state’s motion. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that regulators working under Gov. Rick Scott allowed dog and […]

Associated PressDecember 15, 2016

The state of Florida is asking a judge to reconsider his decision to let the Seminole Tribe of Florida keep blackjack at its casinos. Attorneys for the state late Wednesday filed a post-trial motion that questioned the findings that led U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle to side with the tribe. The move by the state […]

Jim RosicaNovember 2, 2016

While the attorney for the Voter Control of Gambling amendment said it would address a “lack of clarity,” the state’s justices seemed to lack clarity about just what the constitutional change would do. The Florida Supreme Court heard oral argument Wednesday. It must OK proposed amendments to ensure they cover only one subject and that […]

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, […]

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 […]

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.” […]

Tag: Marc Dunbar

Judge says no to Gretna track in gambling dispute

Seminole Tribe objects to Gretna track’s intervention in gambling dispute

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

Federal judge won’t change mind on blackjack decision

Seminole Tribe objects to any about-face on blackjack ruling

New deal: Florida wants judge to change blackjack ruling

Florida Supreme Court considers gambling amendment

Slot machine decision could come in time for session

Would Mega Millions be off limits under gambling amendment?

Gambling advocates seek oral argument against amendment