Gambling Issue Hits Eleventh Hour In Florida Legislature

Since the Florida legislative session has begun, the House and the Senate have spent countless hours ironing out plans that would be acceptable for them. Neither of the plans that were offered, however, had much appeal from the other side.

Now, with the session set to end next week, the two governing bodies have began the process of compromise through what is known as a conference committee. Even with talks ongoing, there is no guarantee that a deal will be worked out before the session ends.

The Senate wants full blown casino gambling at the Seminole casinos throughout the state. At this late stage in the game, it is almost assured that will not happen. They have alluded to the idea that a compromise would only work on their end if blackjack was included.

The House has different ideas. Their plan called for the shutting down of blackjack at the Seminole casinos. They may have to soften on that stance if a deal is going to get done.

The Seminoles would have to agree with any deal that is made, and they likely would not agree to anything that does not include blackjack. They already run the games at three of their Florida casinos, and the game is a major money maker, a point not lost on lawmakers.

Even some of the strongest opponents of casino gambling on the House side agree that if gambling is going to be allowed, blackjack is where the revenue money will be generated for the state.

The governor, Charlie Crist, has turned the matter over to the legislators after negotiating two separate deals with the Seminoles. The first was voided by the state Supreme Court, while the second was not received well from lawmakers in both the House and Senate.

April 30, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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