Florida Senate keeps pushing for its bill

Gaming industry in Florida could be regulated soon under the Senate proposal, according to local experts.

US.- Florida legislators are still debating which gaming regulation would be more beneficial for the state’s residents and public programs. As several counties have agreed on legalising the industry, the Senate proposal, which would expand the casino sector, would probably become effective soon. The state’s Senate and House of Representatives are competing to approve a comprehensive gaming law aiming at improving social services and regulating the industry.

Last week, a Florida Supreme Court resolution changed the legislators’ plans of negotiating a joint regulation, which would include key proposals for each projects. The Senate is trying to further expand casino industry outside South Florida by adding new licenses and games, whilst the House has approved a bill opposing the expansion. However, the Supreme Court has called for a 2018 ballot on “Voter Control of Gambling” amendment.

According to gaming experts, the resolution gave the Senate proposal more chances to be fully approved. Sen. Bill Galvano was quoted by The Naples Daily News confirming the expected tendency. Galvano also added that the Senate’s bill would complicate the negotiations with the Seminole tribe, which currently possess the exclusive license rights to operate the gaming industry in Florida. “We will still be able to negotiate with the tribe on multiple issues, but much of our discretion will have been wrested away,” he commented.

Meanwhile, supporters of the bill consider a regulated gaming expansion as a positive way of increasing the state’s revenues. Florida administration is facing several lawsuits, which would require high investments during the procedures. “The Legislature rarely moves on gambling unless they have to. The court cases that are outstanding have created that pressure,” concluded Marc Dunbar, a Tallahassee lawyer. State’s officials may come to a final resolution before May 5, when the 2017 Legislative Session ends.