Gaming Companies Spend $5 Million to Lobby Florida Legislature

Some big spending is going on in Florida to influence how this fast changing market will tax, regulate and no-doubt expand gambling.

2009 marked the highest spending on record with tribal compacts, statewide racetrack casinos and the creation of a Gambling Commissin being debated.

State filed reports indicate that the industry spent just under $5 million dollars to lobby Florida legislature.

Mardi Gras casino led the way with $600,000 in lobbying fees paid in 2009. The greyhound track casino has seen its numbers drop to some of the lowest on the east coast no doubt due to its proximity to the Seminole Tribe Hard Rock Casino and the Gulfstream Park Casino which has been posting atypical growth over the past 18 months.

Others spending large to influence Florida's lawmakers are Isle of Capri - $410,000, the Seminole Tribe of Florida - $395,000 and GTECH - $320,000. Other familiar names in the casino industry opening up their bank accounts for lobbyists were Boyd Gaming - $110,000 and Las Vegas Sands - $65,000.

"I expect these numbers to be surpassed in 2010 when the Florida Legislature reconvenes in March with the same issues returning to the Florida Legislature and destination casinos being added to the agenda," said Marc Dunbar, a professor of Gaming Law at FSU College of Law and lawyer for a number of gaming interests.

For a complete list go to floridagamingwatch.com, which provides a comprehensive look at the all things impacting the gaming industry in Florida.

February 17, 2010
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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