House Omits Destination Resort Casinos from Its Gambling Bill

There will be no resort casino included in the gambling bill proposed by the Florida House.

The 411-page proposal, HB 1383, released late Monday by the House Select Committee on Gaming, includes almost everything but.

Rob Schenck, chairman of the committee, released a statement:

"We create a strong gaming commission, clean up significant and glaring loopholes in current law, and respect the governor's role in negotiating a compact. The House also has a proposed constitutional amendment that will provide Floridians with the authority to decide future gaming expansion."

Committee members have said the House will propose a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would require 60 percent voter approval of any further gambling expansion, including destination resort casinos.

Prominent in HB 1383 is a five-member Gaming Control Commission. The governor would select members from a list provided by a legislative nominating committee.