Gaming Supporters, Opponents Gave $2.7 Million to Legislators

Submitted by Anonymous on February 15, 2012 - 11:35pm

Businesses, unions and professional associations that lobby state legislators spent $127 million last year, up from $116 million in 2010, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

While AT&T topped the list with $1.68 million, those heading both sides of the destination gaming issue forked up $2.7 million:

Through two separate entities, Malaysian-based Genting spent $645,000, while Las Vegas Sands doled out $551,000, the Sentinel reported.

Opponents of the bill -- which came out last year -- also spent heavily. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, seeking to protect its casino turf, spent $420,000.

The Florida Chamber and Walt Disney, two primary casino opponents, spent $400,000 combined, while the business group on the other end of the issue, Associated Industries of Florida, outspent them both on its lobbyists, at $690,000.