June 15, 2009
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed a gaming bill June 15 that contains several changes sought by the state’s Thoroughbred industry and some changes in the operations of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s casinos.
Archive for the ‘Florida Gaming Law’ Category
The Lakeland Ledger - Seminole Deal Sets Up Fla. for Historic Gambling Expansion
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009June 20, 2009
TALLAHASSEE | When Gov. Charlie Crist gathered to sign one of the most expansive gambling bills in state history last week, he chose as a backdrop not a casino, horse track or jai alai fronton, but instead opted for the campus of a Miami high school.
Sarasota Herald Tribune- Bill still awaiting the Crist signature
Thursday, June 4th, 2009June 03, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Legislature ended its session on May 8, but a second lawmaking session is under way.
Herald Tribune- Florida’s new gambling landscape
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009May 18, 2009
Florida politicians have haggled over how much gambling to allow for nearly 20 years.
Associated Press- Legislators agree on plan to expand Seminole casino gambling
Thursday, May 7th, 2009May 07, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - Legislative negotiators agreed on what Gov. Charlie Crist called a “great” deal to expand gambling at Seminole Indian casinos today, some six hours after their talks were on the brink of collapse.
Miami Herald- Florida Legislature reaches compromise on Seminole gambling revenues
Thursday, May 7th, 2009May 07, 2009
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s historic Hialeah Park racetrack would return. The Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock casinos would keep their slot machines and card games. South Florida’s parimutuels would bear a lower tax burden. And tracks around the state could seek bingo-style slot machines in the future.
Associated Press- Florida lawmakers reach agreement on state budget
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009May 04, 2009
House and Senate negotiators Monday settled their difference over the next state budget and now will turn to related issues including the expansion of gambling as well as tax and fee increases to generate many of the dollars needed to balance the spending plan.
Jacksonville News- Florida may gamble on casinos for revenue
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009April 28, 2009
Beginning in 1978, Florida voters three times rejected constitutional amendments that would have made forced the state to allow casino gambling.
Sun-Sentinel- Proposed FDLE casino cuts don’t make sense
Friday, April 24th, 2009April 23, 2009
Gamblers took more than $3 billion worth of spins through slot machines at South Florida’s three state-licensed casinos last year, generating $122.5 million in state taxes and $122.5 million in casino revenue.
The News Press- Florida Senate, House differ on gaming
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009April 22, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - The House passed a bill Tuesday seeking a gambling agreement with the Seminole tribe, but it is far different than the one the Senate passed last week.The Senate bill included provisions for slot machines at pari-mutuel tracks, including the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs.
The House bill, however, includes no slot machines for dog tracks, and eliminates blackjack at the Seminole casinos. It does, though, call for 24-hour poker operations at the dog track.
The tribe is dealing blackjack at its Florida casinos, including the Seminole Casino in Immokalee, under an agreement it signed with Gov. Charlie Crist. The Supreme Court said Crist wasn’t authorized to sign that deal.
The Senate bill also would allow craps and roulette to be played at the tribe’s casinos and would increase the maximum buy-in for Texas Hold-Em poker games.
It’s unlikely the Senate will accept the House proposal when the two chambers begin discussing the two bills.
