Gambling expansion in Florida opposed by voters

A new poll reveals that Florida voters would likely reject the proposed gambling expansion in the state.

US.- A poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research revealed that only eight percent of Florida voters would support the expansion of gambling in the state. The independent firm based in Washington DC said that 84 percent said that they’re okay with keeping gaming as it is, or even reduce it.

“It’s time to stop listening to gambling lobbyists and listen to the people. A vast majority of Floridians don’t want their elected officials to expand gambling, because they know that more gambling hurts the quality of life for them and their families,” said John Sowinski, president of the anti-gambling organisation No Casinos. Several measures have been introduced in the state since 2017 started: Senator Bill Galvano’s bill to develop two casinos in Miami-Dade and Boward, as well as add more slot machines to racetracks, was approved by a State Senate Committee on January. Another bill introduced by the Senator proposes a legal framework for daily fantasy sports and further slots licenses.

The Seminole Tribe from Florida has been debating the exclusive rights to offer blackjack at its six casinos in the state. Florida’s governor Rick Scott signed the compact back in December 2015, but the tribe rejects the current situation since they believe it would add several exceptions to the tribe’s exclusivity. These bills would also increase the Seminole’s payments, but without providing the necessary additional from the State.

Lawmakers are still discussing the expansion in the state, and along with the Governor, they’re trying to find a solution that is beneficial to both the state and the tribe. Meanwhile, local residents feel like expanding the business in the state is not a good idea, and they would rather keep the gambling industry as it is.