At a recent campaign stop, Republican Florida gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis refused to answer questions about whether he would support expanded casino-style gaming or destination casino resorts. He also would not answer a question regarding where he stands on gambling issues or his position on the proposed Amendment 3 which would give Florida voters exclusive rights to determine expanded gambling. Eventually, via his spokesman, DeSantis sent a two-sentence statement that he opposes Amendment 3. “I believe that basic policy matters should be resolved via the normal legislative process and not be placed in the constitution. Florida must remain a family friendly state, and I do not advocate for the expansion of gambling,” DeSantis said in the statement.
Isadore Havenick, owner of Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker and Magic City Casino in Miami, said, “For my company, that’s why we have to date supported Congressman DeSantis. We’re supportive of any candidate coming out against Amendment 3.” Havenick’s Southwest Florida Enterprise has donated $25,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis political action committee and Havenick’s brother Alex has contributed $15,000.
DeSantis has received more than $800,000 from greyhound racetrack operators and casino owners. Among the major contributors to his campaign is Las Vegas Sands Casino owner Sheldon Adelson, an early DeSantis supporter who serves on his campaign finance committee. Adelson and his wife, Miriam, each donated $250,000 in late July and $3,000 in May. Adelson has long supported developing a destination casino in Florida and opposed online gambling; he funds the national Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling.
Las Vegas casino owners and billionaires Phillip Ruffin and Lorenzo Fertitta also are major DeSantis contributors. Both donated $50,000 each to the DeSantis PAC in February. Tallahassee lobbyists Scott Ross and Nick Iarossi represent gambling operator clients who also have contributed to DeSantis, including Jacksonville Greyhound Racing Park which gave $56,000; Melbourne Greyhound Park, which gave $15,000; and Ocala Breeders Sales, which gave $10,000.
Before he received Adelson’s contribution and resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on September 10 to devote more time to his campaign, DeSantis, as the National Security Subcommittee chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, also opposed online gambling. In a December letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, DeSantis cited “law enforcement and national security concerns” in a request for documents collected by the Justice Department and the FBI related to online gambling. He wrote, “This matter is of particular concern given the Bureau’s experience investigating the use of online casinos by terrorists and transnational organized crime organizations, which utilize these forums for money laundering activity.” Adelson and his coalition made similar arguments against online gambling.
DeSantis’ opponent, Democrat Andrew Gillum, has not received any direct gambling support. He also has not indicated his position on gambling policy.
