• Join Us
  • Follow Us
Poker News

Legislation Proposal Could Impact Poker in the State of Florida

Written By: Maya Michaels | April 14, 2015 | Posted In Poker News

When in the state of Florida, there are several ways to enjoy gambling. Two of the ways being dog racing and poker. However, new legislation proposal could affect them both. This comes after the Florida House Regulatory Affairs Committee approved legislation changes in a recent package.

These changes will see dog racing and poker rooms become entities separated from each other. Legislation as it stands now, poker rooms must be part of the tracks. There needs to have an active race card for the track for being an operator. The Senate, and the House have approved a measure that is similar to this version.

The language used in Senate Bill 7088 is different from House Bill 1233. Gaming facilities that are resort styled in Florida are supported with the Senate Bill. House Bill is different in the language that is included, allows an extension for one year. This is to give Broward and Miami-Dade voters time to add their say, if they approve for casinos to be built in them areas.

The part of the bill about the poker and dog race, will impact them both. However, the biggest impact will be on the tracks. The industry for poker in Florida will possibly improve. Poker rooms will have to stand by themselves, with no support of horse and dog race wagering. Greyhound injuries result from the dog tracks being required to provide a certain amount of races. Race tracks receive scrutiny often, because of the injuries the greyhounds end up with. Racing tracks would now be able to offer a smaller amount of races, helping to ensure the dogs health. Race tracks would be able to focus solely on poker, if they wish to.

While these amendments in the Senate and House are at an early stage, there is still a possibility they will receive opposition from the Seminole Tribe. The tribe has to be considered, and probably will be opposed with anything to do with gambling within Florida. We will have to wait and see, if they will oppose or if the poker industry will be improved in Florida.

Leave a Reply