Florida Destination Casino Bill Passes Committee

On Monday, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed SB 710, a piece of legislation which would pave the way for destination resort casinos in Florida, by a vote of 7-3. The bill has been heavily amended in the past month, but would still allow the state to grant up to three different operators the approval to build destination casinos as long as they meet an investment requirement of at least $2 billion.

Other changes to the bill allow for the option of smaller parimutuels, which include horse and dog tracks, as well as jai alai frontons, to convert into larger casino properties. Though most agree the new destination casinos would bring jobs and visitors to the Sunshine State, not everyone believes that it would offset the $250 million per year that the state receives from the Seminole Tribe of Florida in exchange for exclusive casino gaming rights.

Currently, only the Native American casino properties in Florida can offer games such as blackjack and other pit games. The parimutuels must currently deal with restrictive operating hours and can only offer poker, slots and some sports wagering.

The measure has faced increasing opposition from some heavy-hitters in the state’s business community, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Walt Disney World.

The bill would also dissolve the Division of Parimutuel Wagering within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in favor of establishing a new Department of Gaming Control within the state.

A recent poll of 1,412 registered voters in the state revealed that 61 percent believe that casinos would improve the state’s economy, while only 22 percent are morally opposed to gambling. That being said, only a small majority of voters support the push for non-Indian, Las Vegas-style casinos in Florida.

The next step appears to be a stop in the House Business and Consumer Affairs Committee, which can take place as early as next week.

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