TALLAHASSEE, Fla. For years, politicians in the Sunshine State have struggled over whether they want to let glitzy Las-Vegas style casinos sprout beside Floridas sugar-white beaches. <\/p>\n
The Republican-controlled Legislature, split among factions including those worried that more gambling would harm Floridas family-friendly brand, has never reached consensus. <\/p>\n
But this year GOP leaders insist they may achieve a breakthrough, prompted by ongoing court battles and fatigue with a seemingly never-ending gambling debate. <\/p>\n
Inaction is not a choice, said Sen. Bill Galvano, R-ful Bradenton, who is sponsoring a major gambling bill. <\/p>\n
But the promise of a breakthrough to end years of impasse would require major compromises in the 60-day session opening this week. <\/p>\n
Galvano and his fellow senators are advancing a proposal that would expand gambling far beyond its current locations, while House Republicans are backing a plan to freeze gambling as it now exists in the state. <\/p>\n
Gambling is supposed to be illegal in Florida, but it really isnt. There is plenty of it around the state, often tucked away from theme parks and beaches in locations known mostly to locals and retirees who flock to Florida each winter. <\/p>\n
While the state lacks high-end casinos like Las Vegas, the Seminole Tribe operates several casinos, including Hard Rock hotels and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. Dog and horse tracks are scattered statewide, but only those in south Florida have been permitted to install slot machines, while only the tribe is authorized to offer blackjack. <\/p>\n
Any attempt to change the states byzantine gambling laws will face a gantlet of competing interests. They range from animal rights activists who want dog tracks to drop greyhound racing to the owners of existing tracks fearful that the Seminole Tribe and out-of-state corporations will squeeze them out of business unless they are granted concessions similar to those given the tribe. <\/p>\n
There are long-term gaming operators in this state in the need of a fair, modern business model in order to compete and grow, said Dan Adkins, vice president of Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach. <\/p>\n
Then there are state business groups worried that expanding gambling will harm Disney World and other family friendly theme parks in a state that welcomes more than 100 million visitors annually. And others are opposed to expanding gambling on moral and ethical grounds. <\/p>\n
David Tarbert, a Tallahassee attorney who notes he was addicted to gambling for 36 years, said lawmakers should again this year reject any proposals to make gambling more widespread. He said politicians interested in expanding gambling want to raise more money without raising taxes. <\/p>\n
I think it is essentially getting government revenue on the backs of peoples addiction, he said. I think its morally reprehensible. <\/p>\n
There is no question that Floridas government takes in money due to gambling. The current deal with the Seminole Tribe has taken in nearly $2 billion since 2010. <\/p>\n
But the push this year isnt just about money. Part of it is due to court battles that could alter Floridas gambling landscape unless legislators act. <\/p>\n
In one pending case, the Florida Supreme Court could allow dog and horse tracks in eight counties to add slot machines. <\/p>\n
Another legal battle pits the Seminoles against the state. Seven years ago, the state reached an exclusive deal to let the tribe offer blackjack at many of its Florida casinos, but that provision expired in 2015. <\/p>\n
Republican leaders say they want to resolve the court battles and constant turmoil with some sort of comprehensive overhaul. But the Senate and House have to reconcile their major differences. <\/p>\n
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Decision time in Florida: Sun, fun and ... nonstop gambling? - Waco Tribune-Herald<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TALLAHASSEE, Fla. For years, politicians in the Sunshine State have struggled over whether they want to let glitzy Las-Vegas style casinos sprout beside Floridas sugar-white beaches Continue reading