Gambling legislation once again died in the Florida legislature as the session ended March 9. In a joint statement, House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron said, “Despite the good faith efforts of both the House and Senate, a gaming bill will not pass the legislature this session. Gaming remains one of the most difficult issues we face as a legislature. We are pleased with the progress made over the last week and know that our colleagues will continue to work on this important issue.” State Senator Bill Galvano added, “I think it was time, more than anything else.”
Lawmakers were under extra pressure to pass a gambling measure this session because a constitutional amendment giving voters control of future gambling will appear on the November ballot. Also, both the House and Senate bills authorized the state’s gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which would give the tribe exclusivity to offer blackjack in return for $3 billion to the state over seven years. But now the tribe has the option to withhold revenue sharing funds after March 31 under a 2015 court ruling.
Among other differences, the Senate’s gambling bill allowed slots in eight counties where voters have approved them in referendums, but the House countered with allowing slots in three and then five counties. In addition, the House bill makes designated player games illegal, and the Senate bill doesn’t. The Senate measure makes fantasy sports games legal, but not the House bill. The Senate bill decouples horse and greyhound racing, and the House bill doesn’t. Also, the Senate bill allows designated player games, but not the House measure.
