Florida Gambling Proposals Are Dead

March 5, 2016

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, acknowledged Friday that high-profile gambling proposals, including a potential agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, are dead for this year’s legislative session.

Crisafulli addressed the issue after the House did not take up a wide-ranging gambling bill  during a floor session. Along with the agreement with the tribe, lawmakers had been considering proposals such as allowing slot machines at more pari-mutuel facilities.

The demise of the gambling proposals was not a surprise, as Senate leaders said Tuesday that their version of the bill was all but doomed. Crisafulli pointed to the issue stalling in the Senate.

“Without a willing partner to pass that legislation, it was not going to get done,” Crisafulli said.

Also appearing unlikely to pass this year is a proposal stemming from a national debate about whether online fantasy sports are an illegal form of gambling. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, on Friday sought to move forward with a proposal that would make clear fantasy sports are not considered gambling in Florida. Gaetz sought to attach the proposal to a bill (HB 1187) that deals with professional regulations. But after a lengthy debate — and facing opposition from some lawmakers, including the sponsor of the bill — Gaetz withdrew his proposed amendment.

The legislative session ends next Friday.

by The News Service of Florida

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News