Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Peter SchorschDecember 17, 2015

It’s good to be the king, except when you’re known as “Slots King of the World.” An email from the Orlando-based anti-gambling group No Casinos says the newly renegotiated Seminole Compact would bestow the dubious title of “Slots King” to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, by allowing “one or more tribal facilities to have the most […]

Drew WilsonDecember 8, 2015

The day after Gov. Rick Scott announced a new gaming compact deal with the Seminole Tribe, No Casinos head John Sowinski doubled down on his group’s opposition to gambling expansion of any kind. The Seminole Gaming Compact, originally brokered by Gov. Charlie Crist, gave the tribe exclusive rights to banked card games, such as blackjack, in exchange for payments […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

An anti-gambling expansion organization is asking Gov. Rick Scott to jettison “gambling expansion scenarios as a part of the compact renewal” with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, according to a letter released Wednesday. John Sowinski, president of Orlando-based No Casinos, wrote to Scott on Tuesday, sending copies to legislative leaders. The state is deadlocked with the tribe over renewing a […]

Drew WilsonNovember 12, 2015

Anti-gambling group No Casinos Inc. launched a new political committee late last month and jump-started its fundraising with a $195,000 check. Voters in Charge paperwork reached state elections officials Oct. 21 and the contribution followed two days later. The committee is chaired by No Casinos President John Sowinski and Abby Dupree is listed as the […]

Jim RosicaOctober 27, 2015

A proposed constitutional amendment to give voters more control over gambling was filed Tuesday. The Voters in Charge political committee submitted the proposed language, available on the Division of Elections website. The committee is chaired by John Sowinski, who also heads the Orlando-based No Casinos anti-gambling expansion organization. The amendment would “ensure that Florida voters […]

Jim RosicaOctober 22, 2015

It’s been a busy year for Sara Johnson. Since joining the anti-gambling expansion No Casinos team in early January, Johnson has spoken to more than 35 civic groups, radio shows and political clubs, along with a bevy of community leaders. The 21-year-old got an early introduction to hectic paces. At 14, she attended her first TeenPact Leadership class and learned […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 23, 2015

The Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s decision to abandon efforts to build a destination casino in Florida is “good news,” says an anti-gambling group. The No Casinos organization in Orlando sent out a press release Tuesday night saying the Sands’ “so-called ‘integrated resort,’ which is industry-speak for giant casino, would (have caused) economic harm to small […]

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

Email insights: No Casinos says it’s not good to be the king – of slots

Seminole Compact should limit, not expand gambling

No Casinos tells Rick Scott to leave expansion out of gambling talks

No Casinos jump-starts anti-gambling campaign with $195K check

Group files proposed anti-gambling expansion amendment

Meet Sara Johnson, one of the “30 Under 30” rising stars of Florida politics

Anti-casinos group ‘vigilant’ despite Sands leaving