A poll conducted June 23-27 by Hill Research Consultants on behalf of the anti-casino group No Casinos found 83 percent of Florida voters believe they should decide gambling policy in the state. Only 7 percent said the state legislature should decide. Three percent indicated the governor should decide and another 3 percent said the courts should decide.
The poll, which sampled 670 active voters who voted in at least one election between 2010 and 2015, also indicated 69 percent of respondents said they support a referendum requiring voter approval of all gambling expansion decisions. The Florida Supreme Court currently is considering such a referendum, the Voter Control of Gambling Amendment, which would appear on the 2018 ballot. Only 21 percent of respondents oppose it.
No Casinos President John Sowinski said, “The will of the voters could not be clearer. Regardless of political party, Floridians overwhelmingly want a say in whether gambling will be expanded in our state. They understand the negative social and economic consequences. This is why the gaming industry continually tries to circumvent public opinion, hiring lobbyists and lawyers to push their agenda of more and more gambling in the legislature and courts.”
Other poll results showed 72 percent of Florida voters would be less likely to support a political candidate who votes to expand gambling without a statewide referendum; 18 percent are more likely to support such a candidate and 6 percent said it makes no difference. “Elected officials should take heed. It is not only good public policy, it is also smart politics to reject expanding gambling in Florida,” Sowinski said. He said poll results will be sent to all legislative candidates with a pledge statement that they will oppose expanded gambling in Florida.
In addition, 75 percent of respondents do not agree that more gambling in their city will improve the quality of life for themselves or their families, compared to 18 percent who said more gambling improves their quality of life.
The poll had a margin of error of +/- 3.8%.
