Florida Legislature Introduces Three Gambling Bills

Seminole tribe might be allowed to offer craps and roulette in its casinos

According to released information, the State House and Senate in Florida introduced three new bills related to gambling in the US state. One of the bills is a proposal that would require voting on future gambling expansions; the second bill is a proposal that could potentially result in the construction of a new casino in Miami, while the third bill tackles the subject of introducing slots games in Palm Beach Country.

The gambling proposals by the House member could potentially allow the Seminole tribe to offer craps and roulette in its seven casinos based in Florida. The Chairman of Regulatory Affairs Jose Felix Diaz and the Chairman of Senate Regulated Industries Rob Bradley are responsible for the details of the proposals which will be voted anytime this week.

Craps and Roulette to Be Available at Seminole Tribe’s Casinos

One of the bills is actually a mirror version of that of the House and it would give thumbs up to the Seminole tribe to offer roulette and craps in its seven casinos in Florida. This is the biggest tribal revenue sharing deal in the US state and is signed by the tribe’s chief as well as by Gov. Rick Scott. According to this agreement, the tribe will preserve its right to provide blackjack and other card games in its casinos as well as to offer luck-based casino games, namely craps and roulette. In turn, the tribe will pay the state $3 billion over the next 7 years.

The problems with the pari-mutuel industry are considered in two bills. According to the senators, the measures introduced in the bills will put an end to dormant pari-mutuel permits and are more pleasant for non gambling fans. The subject of decoupling greyhound tracks and horse racing will also be brought back on the table despite the fierce opposition.

The measures will allow the introduction of slots in the Palm Beach Country and Miami-Dade. But they must give up their active licenses because they will not be allowed to offer new games. In addition, dog track and horse racing operators outside these countries are restricted form adding slot machines.

Voters Will Have the Final Word

As previously mentioned, the third gambling bill involves the voters. If the measures regarding the pari-mutuel industry and the deal with the Seminole tribe are approved, then voters will have the final word on the matter. They will have the opportunity to vote and decide what’s going to happen.

So far voters in six countries showed support and want slots games in their pari-mutuels. If the Palm Beach Kennel Club wins the bid for the permit and everything goes as planned, the facility will be allowed to offer 750 slot games as well as 750 video racing terminals, something which they have being trying to get for many years.