Florida gambling expansion, perhaps: State Rep. Jose Diaz is leading the fight to open Florida’s gaming venues, but the handle different parties, including the Seminole Tribe and pari-mutuel interests, has a good way to go before being finalized into law. (Image: floridapolitics.com)
Florida gambling expansion bill HB 7109 scored a victory that is much-needed Monday, following the state’s House Finance and Tax Committee voted 12-5 in favor of moving the legislation towards the chamber’s floor.
Introduced by Jose Diaz (R-District 116), HB 7109 would overhaul the state’s current law by expanding gambling throughout the state. It would also authorize pari-mutuels to supply casino games without continuing to host horse or racing that is greyhound legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS), and achieve new terms aided by the state’s Seminole Tribe.
However, with a handful of events all lobbying for their own self-interests, from lawmakers in Tallahassee to racetracks to the Indian tribe, the intricate bill that is 122-page anything but a certain thing for passage.
Against All Odds
The issue that is predominant their state of Florida is how to approach the powerful Seminole Tribe and its five video gaming facilities. In December, Governor Rick Scott (R) reached a deal with tribal leaders, handing over the exclusive rights to provide craps and roulette in exchange for a guaranteed $3 billion for the Sunshine State’s coffers on the next seven years.
Competing interests from the racing contingent said maybe not so fast, and now have successfully pressured lawmakers into holding up the deal that is scott-Seminole.
‘It’s very hard to negotiate a deal whenever every part threatens should you choosen’t let them have just what they desire,’ a frustrated Diaz said Monday.
Diaz says their House that is new bill need the Seminoles to sign off in the conditions, and time is of the essence. March 11 could be the final day of the Florida Legislature’s 2016 Regular Session.
The Seminole compact with Florida expired in 2015, but casinos on reservation land continue to offer gambling and continue to send checks to the local government.
Reaching a deal now would be advantageous to both edges, as a new pact would save your self 3,500 jobs, and based on Seminole Chairman James Billie, create thousands more and generate upwards of $10 billion for hawaii by 2036.
In what’s perhaps an olive branch to those opposed to expanded gambling, Diaz’s legislation would require a voter referendum moving forward for almost any future gambling expansion.
Georgia Gambling Not on Its Mind
With Florida’s neighbor towards the north, Georgia wants to take the direct approach that is opposite gambling than the Sunshine State. The a great deal more conservative Peach State, Georgia has voted for the Republican presidential nominee all but four times since 1964.
Georgia currently has a continuing state lottery, but is free of any tribal, commercial, or racetrack video gaming.
And State home Speaker David Ralston (R) wants to keep it that way. Ralston has got the advantage that is distinct Georgia of deciding just what does and just what doesn’t go before your house floor for consideration.
On the House Rules Commmittee voted to move House Bill 677 to the floor friday. Authored by State Rep. Ron Stephens (R-District 164), the legislation would authorize the issuance of four gambling that is resort-style.
In line with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Ralston encouraged his colleagues to visit church this weekend that is past reconsider any plans to vote in support of legalizing gambling in Georgia. Ralston concluded the by saying HB 677 finding a vote is something he ‘wouldn’t bet on. week’