Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschApril 12, 2017

Illegal gambling is like cockroaches: You kill one and there are dozens more when it came from. Back in 2013, a multi-state illegal gambling investigation embarrassed the Legislature, resulted in dozens of arrests and eventually took down a lieutenant governor. Jennifer Carroll stepped down because, before her election, she provided public-relations representation to the company being […]

Jim RosicaApril 2, 2017

Ed. Note: A version of this story ran previously in Saturday’s “Takeaways from Tallahassee” email. It’s long been a Capitol cliché, but there are few pronouncements on a piece of legislation as inauspicious as calling something “a heavy lift.” Saying a bill is “a heavy, heavy lift” sounds even more portending of defeat. Yet that’s how […]

Jim RosicaMarch 20, 2017

A recent ruling by a Tallahassee judge could result in Florida being inundated by a slot machine-style entertainment device in bars, arcades and even dog and horse tracks. It’s also not yet clear whether the decision could trigger a violation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s exclusivity rights in its gambling “compact” with the state. That […]

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 […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 4, 2016

“Families for Safety and Prosperity,” the political committee marketing a referendum to add slot machines to bestbet Jacksonville, added $50,000 more to what was already a $2 million war chest on Thursday. The final number of $2,050,000 all came from one source: an affiliate company of bestbet, Jacksonville Greyhound Racing. The extra $50,000 came in handy, as […]

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 RosicaJune 30, 2016

The lawyer for a proposed constitutional amendment limiting gambling in Florida fired back against critics, saying their arguments have “no basis in law.” Dan Gelber, the lawyer for Voters In Charge, the committee behind the amendment, filed an answer brief with the Florida Supreme Court Wednesday. The Voter Control of Gambling amendment would give Floridians more control over […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 27, 2016

Despite running for the House District 13 seat in Jacksonville’s urban core from Fleming Island, Democrat J.R. Gaillot weighs in on local issues. Last week, he advocated for an expansion of the Human Rights Ordinance. Monday, he took a position opposing to 2,000 slot machines coming to the bestbet facility in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood. The contention is […]

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: Slot machines
Sleek F1 machine poised for Miami Grand Prix amid star-studded parties and high-speed action.

With ‘pre-reveal’ games, it’s déjà vu all over again

Black clouds loom over this year’s gambling bills

Rise of the (pre-reveal) machines: The coming battle in Florida gambling?

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

Joe Negron will support new Seminole Compact next session

Jacksonville slots referendum push finishes with $2.05M raised

Slot machine decision could come in time for session

Gambling amendment lawyer defends initiative

HD 13 Dem J.R. Gaillot says no to slots

Gambling advocates seek oral argument against amendment