Casino law amendment bill tabled in Florida

ll has been submitted in Florida proposing to amend its gambling laws.

Florida Representative and house majority leader Dana Young introduced a 332-page bill on Tuesday, just a day before the state legislature began its annual session.

The bill proposes the licensing of two destination resort casinos in the state, while also seeking the introduction of slot machines at two pari-mutuels outside South Florida and the creation of a statewide gambling commission.

Young said at a press conference: “Under the scenario presented in my bill, Florida takes back control of existing gaming in our state and provides a clear blueprint for the path it will take in the future.

“The bill provides for an unprecedented contraction of gaming in the state.”

Current law allows the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which owns nine casinos in the state, to hold exclusive rights to offer certain card games, and Young feels that “at some point, our members are going to possibly be required to make a decision on renewal or expiration of the Seminole gaming compact”.

The state will lose out on its existing deal with the tribe, which allows the state to share the revenue generated by the casinos, should the tribe not be able to come to an agreement with Governor Rick Scott, and it is for that reason that Young’s bill does not include the Seminoles.