Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsNovember 6, 2018

A proposed ‘voter control of gambling’ constitutional amendment will be added to the state’s governing document. By 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Amendment 3 had 71 percent “yes” votes and 29 percent “no” votes; amendments need a minimum of 60 percent approval to pass. The ballot measure, which had been backed financially by Disney and the Seminole Tribe of […]

Drew WilsonNovember 1, 2018

The political committee behind a proposed constitutional amendment to let voters decide on future gambling expansions in the Sunshine State picked up another seven-figure check from the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Wednesday. Voters in Charge, the committee sponsoring Amendment 3, has been heavily backed by the tribe as well as Disney Worldwide Services. With […]

Jim RosicaOctober 4, 2018

Saying it will “make it impossible to bring sports betting to Florida,” FanDuel is telling Florida voters to vote down a proposed ‘voter control of gambling’ constitutional amendment. The amendment’s main backer, however, says the national fantasy sports website has got it all wrong. It won’t be impossible, he said: It’ll just require a vote. […]

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2018

The political committee fighting against a proposed constitutional amendment to limit gambling expansion brought in $525,000 from the parent company of Miami’s Magic City Casino. The committee, Vote NO on 3, received the check from West Flagler Associates on July 31. That stack is the only contribution the committee has reported since it was formed […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2018

A second political committee has registered to oppose a proposed state constitutional amendment requiring voter approval of new gambling. Citizens for the Truth About Amendment 3 registered on Wednesday, Division of Elections records show. It’s chaired by Dan Adkins, longtime head of Hallandale Beach’s former Mardi Gras Casino and Race Track. The group’s formation paperwork and initial campaign finance information […]

Jim RosicaJuly 13, 2018

A new political committee called “Vote NO on 3” has registered to oppose a proposed state constitutional amendment requiring voter approval of new gambling. A Division of Elections listing accessed Friday show the political committee (PC) is chaired by South Florida’s Isadore “Izzy” Havenick, whose family operates Magic City Casino in Miami and Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & […]

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 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 RosicaMarch 1, 2018

A strike-all amendment planned for the Senate’s 2018 gambling bill will add an authorization for slot machines in counties where voters OK’d them in local referendums, Senate President-designate Bill Galvano said Thursday. The Senate bill (SB 840) is now slated for consideration before the Appropriations Committee Friday. Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is the Senate’s lead […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate’s point man on gambling issues Tuesday said he sees “a way forward” on a grand gambling bargain—but also suggested lawmakers may have to fold ’em and walk away. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is representing his chamber as he and House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva try to land a comprehensive gambling bill that’s eluded […]

Tag: Voter Control of Gambling
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Lucky 3: Voters want to ‘control’ gambling, pass amendment

Seminole Tribe puts another $1M behind Amendment 3 push

‘Vote no’: FanDuel comes out in opposition to gambling amendment

Casino stakes anti-Amendment 3 group with $525K

Second group forms to fight gambling amendment

New committee forms to fight gambling-control amendment

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

Sucker bet? Gambling bills on the move in both chambers

Reanimated: Senate gambling bill, with changes, back in play

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution