It seems that today is an important day in the gambling history of Florida as the House and Senate leaders are expected to propose bills that would allow the Seminole Tribe to add craps and roulette at its casino venues. What is more, Palm Beach County residents might soon be able to enjoy slots, while horse racing and greyhounds activities will be ceased.
Yesterday, Rob Bradley, the Chairman of Senate Regulated Industries and Jose Felix Diaz, the Chairman of Regulatory Affairs, have been working on the last details concerning the proposals that are to be voted next week.
According to released information, the legislation would authorise the agreement, allowing the Seminole tribe to provide craps and roulette in seven Florida-based casinos. The deal, signed by the tribal chief of the Seminoles and Gov. Rick Scott, also contains a clause, according to which the Seminoles are obliged to pay the state the amount of $3 billion over the next seven years.
The issues that have befallen the pari-mutuel industry are also to be addressed in the separate bills. The bills are also believed to do away with dormant pari-mutuel permits. The question for decoupling of horse racing and greyhound tracks will also be brought back on the agenda, although it met the opposition of breeders, kennel operators and owners.
The measures, put forward in the bills, would allow the availability of slot machines on the territory of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. However, the operators will be required to give up active permits otherwise they might not be eligible for the new games.
As far as the Senate proposal is concerned, Bradley defined it as an “aggressive plan” aimed at reducing the popularity of the gambling activities on the territory of the state. It is also said to allow Scott to get back active permits and use the money generated via the revenue-sharing contract with the Seminoles.
As for the House members, they are not expected to include such a provision in the initial roll-out of the bill.
A third measure, offered by the House, is to be put forward. If the changes related to the pari-mutuel industry as well as the gambling compact with the Seminoles are approved, residents will have a final say on the matter as they will be given the chance to vote.
In point of fact, voters in 6 counties expressed their support for the availability of slot machines in their pari-mutuels. If it manages to win the bid for the permit, the Palm Beach Kennel Club will be allowed to install 750 slots and 750 video racing terminals – a goal it has been struggling to achieve for a long time.
