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Slots Ruling Under Fire

June 3rd, 2015 by Mike Vasilinda

A ruling by the First District Court of Appeal allowing slot machines in counties where voters have given the okay is under fire in the state legislature. The ruling could allow slots in rural Gasden County and four others. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, lawmakers could act soon to make clear any expansion of slots would require legislative approval.

In January 2012, two out of three voters in rural Gasden County said yes to slots. The State, relying on an Attorney General’s opinion refused a license, but now an appeals court has ruled in favor of voters. State Senator Bill Galvano helped write the law and thinks the court got it wrong.

“The court grossly misinterpreted the referendum provision> It very clearly says it has to occur by legislative authorization” says Galvano.

The ruling could have big consequences. If licenses are eventually granted to Gadsden and four other counties where voters have approved slots, it could void the state’s deal with the Seminole Tribe says their attorney, Barry Richard.

“I don’t think that the legislature or anybody intended that one small county in North Florida would be able to obliterate the compact between the state and the Seminoles and cost the state to lose many millions of dollars every year.”

This ruling has legislative leaders talking. They’re trying to decide if they need to act now while they are here in special session to make it clear that slots can’t be issued without legislative approval.

While waiting for a an appeal is more likely, House Finance and Tax Chairman Matt Gaetz says legislative action during the special session is not out of the question.

“Yeah, I think there are a lot of people in the legislature who have some level of discomfort with the decision that’s recently been issued” says Gaetz.

Adding fuel to the fire is that authorization for black jack runs out in July., and lawmakers haven’t been talking. The latest ruling may get them back to the table.

The Attorney General has two options. One is to ask the appeals court for a rehearing. The second is to ask the State Supreme Court to look at the case. IF she did nothing, the ruling could stand.