Debates over the future of Florida’s gambling industry continue and it seems that it will take a long time before things are settled. Legislators are currently discussing two bills that would change the state’s gambling scene considerably, if they get the necessary approval.
In the first place, amendments to SPB 7088 were proposed and voted in favor of by the majority of lawmakers a few days ago. Under those changes, dog track facilities in Naples and West Palm Beach would be allowed to install slot machines at their premises. In addition, the new racinos would be required to pay 10% of their slot machine revenues which would be contributed to Tampa Bay Downs. The amendments in question would also give pari-mutuel businesses the opportunity to put an end to their live racing operations, if they wish so.
SPB 7088 also contains provisions about the potential one-year extension of the Seminole Tribe’s gambling compact, which is due to expire in July 2015. The casinos operated by the Seminoles are currently the only ones on the territory of the state to offer blackjack and other table games.
Sen. Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), who introduced the above-mentioned bill, actually voted against the proposed amendments. He pointed out that even if his bill gets the Senate’s approval, it will look a bit more different than what was initially introduced to the state Legislature.
Earlier this week, House Rep. Leader Dana Young presented a modified version of her HB 1233. The lawmaker shrank the 316-page document to a mere 59-page one and removed all the provisions that suggested any expansion of the state’s gambling industry, including the potential launch of two Las Vegas-themed resorts in the southern part of Florida.
Yet, according to some, the state might eventually establish two new casino resorts on its territory. Recently, House Rules Chairman and Rep. Rich Workman proposed an amendment to Rep. Young’s bill that would authorize the construction and the operation of those. As previously reported, major gambling operators, such as Las Vegas Sands and Genting, have expressed interest in entering the Florida casino market.
HB 1233 is now focused on capping the requirement that greyhound tracks need to feature live racing in order to be able to offer to their customers poker and slot machines. It also suggests that owners of the aforementioned facilities need to instantly report on any dog injuries that occur during races.
Both bills are to be reviewed and voted by House committees in the days to come. Yet, it is still early to predict what the eventual turn of events might be, as this year’s legislative session is scheduled to continue up to May 1 and anything can happen before it is officially over.
