Gambling deal inches closer in Legislature – Sun Sentinel

The state House and Senate are close to passing the first major gambling legislation since the 2010 agreement with the Seminole tribe, but a few serious gaps remain.

The House on Wednesday had agreed to allow the Seminoles to offer craps and roulette, and pari-mutuels to end racing but keep their casinos. But House members wanted only one new casino in Miami-Dade County rather than two new casinos in Miami-Dade or Broward, as proposed by the Senate. On Thursday, the Senate stuck with its position of two new casino licenses in South Florida.

State Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami, the Houses chief negotiator, feared that any gambling legislation that includes another casino in Broward County would scuttle agreements with the Seminole tribe, which operates casinos in Hollywood and Coconut Creek.

I dont disagree with [Diaz], they dont like that. But I also dont have a deal with the Seminoles right now, said state Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, the chief negotiator on the Senate side. So Im looking to maximize revenue to the state. Thats not to say it would be something that would be part of a final deal with the Seminoles.

The two casinos would bring in $42 million to state coffers, money that would be needed as less money could be coming from the Seminole tribe if they dont get the deal they want.

dsweeney@SunSentinel.com, 954-356-4605 or Twitter @Daniel_Sweeney

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Gambling deal inches closer in Legislature - Sun Sentinel