As expected, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed Bill Galvano's Senate Bill 8, Gaming. The House gaming bill is also expected to pass in a matter of days.
The full Senate chamber had discussed the measure Wednesday. Though the Senate bill remains substantially different from the House gambling version -- with budget considerations in the balance -- the two chambers have stepped up discussions and are expected to meet as early as next week to strike a compromise.
The main difference between the bills is that SB 8 would expand gambling, allowing pari-mutuels in eight counties to offer slot machines. The House version, PCB TGC 17-01, would not.
The House would recreate the current Seminole gaming compact, allowing the tribe exclusive right to slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward and blackjack at the six Seminole South Florida casinos in exchange for $3 billion in payments to the state over seven years.
A House panel also voted Wednesday for a bill that would force all lottery tickets to include the label “Warning: Gambling can be addictive.” The sponsor of the bill, Rep Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, said the activity is government-sanctioned and that it should come with the same warning that people can find on cigarettes.
Galvano, R-Bradenton, and Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, released statements after the Senate bill passed.
“This legislation will provide needed certainty and predictability in our state gaming policies," said Negron. "I am pleased to see the Senate pass legislation that ratifies the 2015 Compact executed by Gov. Scott with modifications that ensure we honor the will of our fellow citizens in the eight counties that have approved referenda to expand the availability of gaming options. I appreciate Sen. Galvano’s leadership in working with all stakeholders to formalize a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides a foundation for further discussions with Gov. Scott, our colleagues in the Florida House, the Seminole Tribe, industry stakeholders, and constituents.”
Said Galvano, “This legislation builds on work that has taken place and input received by the Senate over the last several years. The bill covers all aspects of gaming in our state in a comprehensive manner that addresses industry instability caused by antiquated and ambiguous provisions of current law. It renews our ongoing revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and recognizes the authority of local voters. Today’s action is an important step towards finalizing a statewide approach that respects all stakeholders, while modernizing Florida’s gaming laws, and maximizing revenues to the state for education, healthcare and infrastructure.”
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has said it is unhappy with both bills, that with either one the Tribe would be giving away more than it gets.
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