For four of the past five years, Florida state Senator Maria Sachs has introduced bills to establish a state gaming commission. The legislation has died before ever getting a vote. “Something worthwhile in the legislature takes time, a lot of time. Gambling didn’t start overnight in the state, and it can’t be changed overnight,” Sachs said.
She added, “The elected representatives of the people should decide the future of gaming throughout the state. These questions, as difficult as they may be for us in the legislature, should not be left for the courts to decide.” But that’s exactly what’s happening in Florida in two closely watched cases.
One case involves Gretna Racing, where the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering had approved betting on rodeo-style barrel racing. That parimutuel license led to approval for poker, and the current court case could allow slots there and in five other counties. In another case, the division approved various poker games, even though the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive rights to banked card games in Florida. As a result, the tribe is suing the state, saying the state reneged on the gaming compact.
Because of these two lawsuits, some Florida legislators are delaying decisions on broader gambling policy. “The past gridlock has not been beneficial to anyone. The important thing is to have a professionally run commission to make sure not only the people are safeguarded, but also those who game and those in the business of gaming. Let’s get it out of the hands of politicians and into the hands of professionals. We need to get a consensus for the state to move forward,” said Sachs, who has served in the Florida House and Senate since 2006.
To those who said a gaming commission adds another layer of government, Sachs responded, “I wouldn’t have said this last year but this makes government more efficient, more streamlined. Gaming is a tough business and it should be handled by those who know the business. That’s the model other states use.”
Still, one typically unmentionable issue regarding a gaming commission is campaign funding, since both parimutuel and anti-casino interests donate to candidates and causes. Legislators worry that campaign funding could decrease if they give control to a gaming commission.
“I think there are two things we need to do. First we need to recognize that we’re a gambling state. We have gambling, and we need to step up and do it in a professional way. Then we need to be professional about it. You need a system to administer, enforce and regulate it,” Sachs said.
