The Senate Gaming Committee is gathering information about regulations and revenues associated with a variety of gambling activities in Florida. While no legislation is expected this year, the state may start taking bids for a gambling study within a few weeks.
Naples Republican Garrett Richter told members of his committee to expect a lot of work over the next two years.
“We’ll look at all aspects of gaming in Florida", Richter said. "Including the state lottery, horse and dog tracks, the jai-alia frontons, tribal casinos, internet café’s, bingos, cruises to nowhere...”
Richter echoed the sentiments of Senate President Don Gaetz that no decisions will be made on destination resort casinos or any other gambling proposals for a while.
“First, we want to complete a comprehensive review of the gaming industry and the associated regulatory framework that would ideally go along with that”, Gaetz explained.
No gambling legislation is expected to be considered until next year. Legislative leaders have said they want time to study the issue and get input from voters.