Voter Control of Gambling will be reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court

The amendment obtained the needed 68,314 certified petitions to earn the Florida Supreme Court’s review.

US.- The Voter Control of Gambling Amendment gathered enough certified petitions to be reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court. The needed number was 68,314 and the initiative reached 69,336. Polling has consistently showed that the amendment has near or above 70 percent approval over the last few years and that 72 percent of Floridians believe the state has either too much or just enough gambling.

Voters In Charge is the group sponsoring the initiative. Its chairman, John Sowinski declared: “This is a big day in the effort to return control of gambling back to the people of Florida. We look forward to having the Supreme Court review our initiative and are confident that our amendment meets all requirements for Supreme Court approval. If the court returns a ruling in the Gretna case that does not make Florida voters the ultimate authority over gambling decisions, we are prepared to move forward to put the initiative on the 2018 ballot.”

The introduction of the ballot summary for the proposed amendment reads: “This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorise casino gambling by requiring that in order for casino gambling to be authorised under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution. Affects articles X and XI. Defines casino gambling and clarifies that this amendment does not conflict with federal law regarding state/tribal compacts.”

Sowinski concluded: “While the legislature once again rejected gambling expansion, we know the gambling lobbyists will not give up until they turn Florida into the next Atlantic City. Over 100,000 Floridians have stepped up and signed our petition to reject the Big Casinos and their lobbyists and asked to have the final say when it comes to gambling in Florida. Voters are sending a message to the establishment that Florida is not for sale.”