Welcome back for the Special Session on implementing the 2021 Seminole Gaming Compact. This week we will provide a brief overview of the gaming legislation being heard by the legislature.

 

SB 2A and HB 1A – Implementation of the 2021 Gaming Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida

On Monday, May 17, SB 2A by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee and was reported favorable with 18 yeas and 1 nay.

Also on Monday, HB 1A by Representatives Sam Garrison (R-Orange Park) and Bobby Payne (R-Palatka) was heard by the House Select Subcommittee on the Seminole Gaming Compact and was reported favorable with 13 yeas and 4 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

The bills ratify the 2021 Gaming Compact executed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and by Governor DeSantis on behalf of the State of Florida on April 23, 2021. The bills authorize up to 3 new gaming facilities on Hollywood Reservation lands. Additionally, the bills create over $6 billion in revenues to the state through 2030 and ensures gaming profits are reinvested in Florida.

SB 2A will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.

HB 1A will now go to the House Select Committee on Gaming.

AIF supports the Seminole Gaming Compact as it will create thousands of jobs and generate billions in economic impacts to the state, all of which makes Florida a better place to live and do business.