It's a good bet that soon after the new Florida legislature convenes on March 4, 2014, lawmakers will be pushing a very hot-button issue -- gambling. Proponents like State Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford want constitutional amendments that would expand Florida's restricted gambling laws. Their opposition, which includes Disney and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, say more than just gambling is at stake. So-called "high-stakes gambling" casinos in Florida (Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat) have been the exclusive domain of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The 2010 Seminole Gaming Compact guaranteed privileges for Seminole casinos until the year 2040, but a provision on the high-stakes monopoly, granting them that concession, is set to expire in 2015. Florida has received nearly $1.5 billion in revenue from the Seminole Tribe of Florida since the compact was approved.Get the Story:
John Rehill: Casinos on the Fast Track to Throw the Dice in Florida (The Bradenton Times 1/3)
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