Indian Gaming > New Florida governor clarifies remarks about gaming expansion

New Florida governor clarifies remarks about gaming expansion

Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Filed Under: Legislation

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) doesn't plan on supporting an expansion of gaming despite news reports that said he was already talking to Las Vegas developers.

"My view on gaming is I don't want the state to be very largely dependent on gaming for revenues," Scott said at a press conference, The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. "We allow gaming in this state, and I haven't taken any position about doing anything different with gaming."

But Scott's Regulatory Reform Transition Team has recommended easing some gaming restrictions at non-Indian facilities. One gaming lobbyist described him as "music to the industry's ears."

Prior governor Charlie Crist was the first to come to the table and negotiate a Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe. The deal requires the tribe to share revenues with the state but the tribe can stop payments if other types of gaming are legalized or expanded.

Get the Story:
Expanded gambling may get more discussion from Florida's new leaders (The South Florida Sun Sentinel 1/11)

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Florida lawmakers gearing up for more discussions about gaming (1/7)