Members of the gambling industry are spending time in Tallahassee talking about the impact of gaming on Florida's economy. Lawmakers are reviewing all types of gambling in Florida and how they’re regulated.
The review by the Senate Gaming Committee includes the Florida Lottery, pari-mutuels, and casinos.
Don Mitchell with Isle of Capri Casinos was glad to hear that internet cafes will also be part of the discussion.
“That is part of the gaming industry, and we don’t take a position on the internet cafes. They just shouldn’t be gray in our view", said Mitchell. "It should either be illegal and not exist or it should be legal and they should be regulated and licensed and taxed the same as we are as part of the industry.”
Cari Roth is a lobbyist for the Tampa Bay Downs Thoroughbred racetrack. She wants to be able to compete against the likes of the nearby Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
“In 2008, of course, the Seminoles were authorized to open the casino there in Tampa just across the Bay. They have slots and bank card games”, Roth said.
A proposal to open three mega resort casinos in South Florida was postponed last year but will likely be back in 2014. Lawmakers are taking a year off from passing any major gambling legislation.
They plan to hold public hearings around the state this summer before coming up with comprehensive gambling laws.