Gaming expansion efforts dropped in Florida
Lawmakers have given up efforts to pass a gambling package in the Sunshine State.
US.- The Florida House gathered on Friday to discuss a gaming bill that would’ve allowed three counties to add slot machines to horse or dog tracks, but lawmakers decided to abandon the efforts to reach an agreement.
Republican leaders tried to resurrect the issue as the session was coming to an end and strike a deal between the House and the Senate. Despite the latter being in favour of expanding slot machines to counties where voters were in favour of the revenue that comes from gambling, House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron decided to disregard the bill.
“Despite the good faith efforts of both the House and Senate, a gaming bill will not pass the Legislature this session. Gaming remains one of the most difficult issues we face as a Legislature. We are pleased with the progress made over the last week and know that our colleagues will continue to work on this important issue,” said the leaders in a statement released on Friday.
The three counties would’ve been among those who had already conducted referendums to approve games at their parimutuel facilities and didn’t compete with the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock and other casinos.
