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pari-mutuels - page 4

Jac VerSteeg: Sen. Joe Abruzzo’s ‘wide open’ alternative to the Seminole Compact

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What happens if the Florida Legislature refuses to ratify the Seminole Compact that Gov. Rick Scott negotiated with the Tribe? No one really knows, of course, but state Sen. Joe Abruzzo, a Boynton Beach Democrat, offered a tantalizing hint toward the end of a recent workshop by the Senate’s Regulated Industries Committee. Addressing Jim Allen, the CEO of Seminole Gaming, Sen. Abruzzo said: “In looking at this and all the moving parts and how difficult this issue is, we hear…

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5 questions for Fantasy Sports Trade Association after DFS bill first committee stop

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One of the hottest issues facing lawmakers in the 2016 Legislative Session is the regulation of the daily fantasy sports industry. Moving toward that goal is HB 707: Fantasy Contests, sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gaetz, has recently move out the Business & Professions Subcommittee, its first stop in the Florida House. What the bill seeks to do is create a series of consumer protections and oversight for DFS operators. Highlights of the proposal include: fantasy sports operator employees and…

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Scott Plakon: Fantasy sports play legal “under current law”

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One of the Legislature’s most stalwart opponents to gambling and its expansion in the Sunshine State nonetheless voted for a House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida. State Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, sits on the House Business and Professions Subcommittee that OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote earlier this week. Does that mean Plakon, who led the drive to shut down Internet gambling cafes in 2013, thinks online fantasy sports is not gambling? He…

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Pam Bondi granted more time to prep for slot machine case

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Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s office is getting more time to prepare legal arguments in a case over whether certain Florida dog and horse tracks can offer slot machines to guests. The Florida Supreme Court granted the request Wednesday, giving her lawyers another month to turn in their brief. Bondi’s office, specifically Solicitor General Allen Winsor, is representing the Florida Department Of Business And Professional Regulation, which regulates the state’s pari-mutuel facilities. Along with dealing with some staff turnover, his filing also said…

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Fantasy sports bill clears House committee

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A House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first committee on Tuesday. The House Business and Professions Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote. Florida is among many states struggling with whether to regulate fantasy sports, and if so, how. Current Florida legislation would require fantasy operators to register with the state and pay licensing fees, as well as verify that players aren’t minors. It’s a multibillion-dollar business, attracting nearly 57 million people a year…

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2016 Legislative Food Fights: Gambling issues move from spotlight to supporting role

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A big gambling overhaul bill won’t be on the menu this legislative session, but expect a swirl of other gaming-related topics to bubble up, including fantasy sports play and creating a state gambling commission to monitor users’ gain from super casino bonus and offers. One not to expect is Las Vegas Sands’ effort to get a destination casino in South Florida. After trying unsuccessfully for years, the gambling giant finally pulled up stakes last year, letting go of lobbyist Nick Iarossi and others. One of the…

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Why does the Governor’s compact treat pari-mutuels outside of South Florida so poorly?

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Earlier this year, before the start of the 2015 regular Legislative Session, House Speaker Steve Crissafulli articulated a very clear and prescient position on the state’s approach toward gambling. Notably, he asked, “What do we get from the Seminole Gaming Compact and do we want to offer parity to pari-mutuels?’ As a seventh-generation Floridian, Crisafulli asked what the Legislature would do to support Florida’s generational businesses. Why would the Legislature continue to enrich and enhance the opportunity of the Seminole Tribe…

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