Florida lawmakers are looking to gambling revenue to fund environmental initiatives
Florida lawmakers are doubling down on proposals to use sports betting money to further expand environmental projects. Bills benefiting Sunshine State parks and waterways were first introduced in the 2024 legislative session.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) introduced House Bill 1417, a bill that would spend most of gambling revenue.Senate Bill 1638, introduced by Senator Travis Hutson (R-7th District), earmarks funding for environmental management and protection, including research.
Florida Senate President Katherine Pacidimo (R-Naples) told senators in her opening statement that she supports gambling revenue to fund land acquisition and conservation.
“Using this new revenue to acquire and manage protected areas and invest in our clean water infrastructure will provide an amazing return on investment for our state,” Pacidimo said. “I hope this legislation has your support .”
House Speaker Paul Lehner (R-Palm Coast) also supports the idea of using gambling funds for conservation projects.
FLORIDA ACT FUNDING
SB 1638 would use an “unspecified” amount of revenue from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The gaming compact deal closes in 2021.
The legal challenge claims sports betting in Florida violates a constitutional amendment that requires voters to approve the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The gaming contract was revoked pending an appeal. The Seminole Tribe successfully appealed and the Washington District Court of Appeals overturned a ruling that blocked regulated sports betting.
On November 1, 2023, the Seminole Tribe announced that it would introduce retail sports betting at its casinos on December 7, 2023.
As reported Hard Rock Bet App opens to eligible users in Florida on December 5, 2023.
Under the agreement, the tribe agreed to pay the state $2.5 billion over the first five years and potentially billions more over the course of the three-year agreement.
FLORIDA’S ONLY BETTING APP
The only legal sports betting app in the Sunshine State is Hard Rock Bet, available for iOS and Android. All other sports betting platforms licensed in other US states are not allowed.
Proposals to use a portion of sports betting revenue for land acquisition had early support from both parties. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said members of her party support using the funds to protect waterways and the environment.
The amount of sports betting money used to fund environmental goals remains subject to negotiation.
Read also:
- U.S. cities with the most Swifties per capita
- Blackjack Casino Advantage: How to Beat the Odds
- Football 101: What is relegation in football?
- Macau’s fourth-quarter revenue is expected to grow, driven by Melco Resorts, Wynn and others
Source: www.casino.org
