Opinion: Gaming battle in Florida paying off big for lobbyists

Tuesday, September 13, 2011  

"The capital seems peaceful enough, even a little sleepy in the muggy September heat. But down in the nether regions of Tallahassee, out of public view, terrible mercenaries prepare for the coming battle.

Call it the clash of the silk suit titans.

Gambling interests, from South Florida, from Las Vegas, from around the globe, are hiring fearsome armies of lobbyists to shape or thwart gaming legislation percolating in the Legislature. Particularly, the twin bills sponsored by Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale and Rep. Erik Fresen of Miami that would permit three giant “destination casinos” in South Florida.

The Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reported last week that famed Las Vegas gambling concerns like the Las Vegas Sands. Caesars Palace and Wynn resorts have swept into Tallahassee, hiring big lobbyists and writing big checks. State Sen. Dennis Jones of Seminole, chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, told me Monday that the Vegas outfits weren’t even among the four largest gambling firms clamoring for an audience with his crucial committee."

Get the Story:
Fred Grimm: Casino battle is great news for lobbyists (The Miami Herald 9/12)

Also Today:
Legislators Push to Bring Casinos to South Florida (The St. Petersburg Times/The Miami Herald 9/13)