Florida Legislature Approves Gambling Expansion During Special Session; FCCB Issues Statement

On May 17-19, the Florida legislature gathered in a special session to give approval to a 30-year gaming compact recently negotiated by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The deal would lead to the state receiving $2.5 billion over the first five years. The tribe would operate sports betting and would receive other benefits, including being able to offer craps and roulette at its casinos. The House voted 97-17 to pass the bill; the Senate voted 38-1 to approve it. The U.S. Department of Interior's Office of Indian Gaming must also sign off on the deal before it goes into effect. The compact is also expected to face a legal challenge from opponents that maintain the sports betting authorization violates a 2018 constitutional amendment, which required statewide voter approval of future expansions of gambling.

At various points since 1978, and most recently in 2018, the bishops of Florida have publicly outlined concerns about expansions of casino gambling. There is historical and anecdotal evidence that casino gambling is accompanied by vice and social evils. The anticipated increase in state revenue is likely attractive to many legislators. However, higher overall social costs can be expected in the coming decades if expansion of gambling is enacted. In a statement released earlier this week, the FCCB urged the legislature to put a pause on the proposed expansion of casino and internet-based gambling.