Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaNovember 19, 2018

The next big debate over gambling in Florida could be on sports betting — with one top lawmaker already flexing his muscle regarding lawmakers’ say over it. This month, voters approved Amendment 3, also known as the “Voter Control of Gambling” amendment, by 71 percent. Its aim: To “ensure that Florida voters shall have the […]

Jim RosicaJuly 17, 2018

If a video game looks like a slot machine, plays like a slot machine, and pays out like a slot machine, is it still a slot machine if you know whether you’re going to win or lose? No, said an attorney for a Jacksonville company that distributes what are called “pre-reveal” games, which can be found across […]

Jim RosicaApril 24, 2018

Lawmakers have moved from informal talks to exchanging offers toward a Special Session on gambling, sources said late Monday. That’s despite an agreement announced last week between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida guaranteeing that the Tribe will keep sharing gaming revenue from its casinos at least till May 2019. The impetus behind the Special Session effort is a […]

Jim RosicaApril 18, 2018

It’s another happy day at Hard Rock. Gov. Rick Scott Wednesday announced an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida that “extends the Tribe’s current commitment to make (gambling) revenue sharing payments to the state through May 2019.” The tribe operates Hard Rock-branded and other casinos in Florida, including the flagship Hard […]

Staff ReportsApril 2, 2018

Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson says she’s “stunned by the ongoing inability of the Republican legislative leadership to reach an agreement with the Seminole Tribe over gaming in Florida, and alarmed by the suggestion of an expensive Special Session.” The Senate Democratic Office released her statement Friday morning. “This was not a sudden development, or […]

Jim RosicaMarch 28, 2018

Despite the end of a legal truce between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state this Saturday, don’t expect the Tribe’s gambling money to stop flowing to Florida’s coffers, its longtime outside lawyer said. That’s also despite lawmakers’ failure, once again, to pass comprehensive gambling law reform or renew the revenue sharing agreement between […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

With only one member commenting, the House swiftly passed its omnibus gambling bill for 2018, setting up a possible conference of the two chambers. The bill (HB 7067) was OK’d on a 70-40 vote, with Republican Halsey Beshears of Monticello and Tom Goodson of Rockledge joining the Democrats in voting ‘no.’ Bill sponsor Mike La […]

Jim RosicaMarch 2, 2018

The House and Senate gambling bills were heard separately Friday, but one lawmaker already is folding his hand. “The chances of a gaming bill passing this session are none,” said Rep. Joe Abruzzo, a Boynton Beach Democrat. “Let’s go home.” A strike-all amendment had been OK’d on the Senate’s legislation (SB 840) in the Appropriations […]

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 2, 2018

A lawyer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state and won’t agree to a new deal unless “the games end.” Barry Richard, the Tribe’s outside counsel, and tribal leaders met with Sen. Bill Galvano and Rep. Jose Oliva this week […]

Tag: Seminole Compact

‘The will of the people’: The coming brouhaha over sports betting in Florida

What’s a slot machine? Florida court will decide

Lawmakers swapping deals toward Special Session on gambling

Deal ’em: Rick Scott, Seminole Tribe agree on gambling money

Audrey Gibson on gambling: ‘This should have been resolved’

Sure bet? Seminole gambling money will keep flowing, lawyer says

With little ado, House passes 2018 gaming bill

Sucker bet? Gambling bills on the move in both chambers

Seminole Tribe ad is a Hail Mary for a gambling deal

Seminole Tribe ‘insulted,’ doesn’t need gambling deal, lawyer says