In Florida, Legislative Economist Amy Baker recently told members of the Florida House Gaming Control Subcommittee it’s not certain if the state will continue to receive $343 million in annual payments through its arrangement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The agreement, which gives the tribe exclusivity for certain casino games in exchange for giving multimillions of dollars to the state, will expire in May.
Baker said, “The ambiguity on that deal has changed the forecast. This is because the continuation of these payments depends on actions by the state and the Seminole Tribe that cannot be anticipated with sufficient uncertainty.”
The situation is especially nerve-wracking for lawmakers as Governor Ron DeSantis is set to unveil a $90 billion budget proposal in just a few weeks. Also complicating the issue is the constitutional amendment passed in November giving voters approval over any expanded gambling—an issue the Seminole Tribe spent millions promoting.
Voters also approved phasing out greyhound racing, which will cost the state about $1 million annually. Florida also receives $202 million a year in taxes on slot machines. Last December, Baker told lawmakers they could expect $842 million more in total revenue, but projections could “significantly deteriorate,” she said.
As a result, Senate President Bill Galvano said the Seminole compact will be a priority and legislation will be drafted before the session begins.
The Seminole Tribe and former Governor Rick Scott agreed to new terms last April. Now lawmakers hope new members and a new governor will change the dynamic regarding the Seminole compact. State Rep. Randy Fine said, “We are still forming policy goals for gambling and as we are in this legal limbo with the Seminoles, we need to think about the resolution we want.” State Rep. Joseph Geller added, “To me, if you have a compact and it is amended, it is clear that it should be approved by the legislature.”
