Florida Residents to Decide Fate of Gambling Expansion

Currently in Florida, a decisive battle is taking place – a battle that could put voters’ fate back in their hands – but it’s still unclear whether that bodes will for the gambling industry in the Sunshine State…

…Voters in Charge have conducted a poll that shows 71% of voters in Florida would back the initiative to approve Amendment 3. This Amendment, that should be discussed and ratified in November, would make it a law for voters and citizens of Florida, not politicians and lobbyists, to decide the fate of gambling expansion.

The Game is On

The required threshold for the Amendment to is 60%, meaning that at 71%, it has more than enough public backing.

Florida’s law only permits casinos to be built on tribal land. If Amendment 3 es, the construction of casinos will not be decided by the state Legislature but by the public vote and referendum – every eventual change can only happen if it gets the 60% majority vote.

John Sowinski, Voters in Charge President, comments: “We start in a uniquely strong position. The simplicity of the amendment is its strength,” he added. “Amendment 3 asks the simple question, ‘Who do you trust: Florida voters, or the politicians and the lobbyists who influence them?’”

Not Taking Any Chances

Even though they have every right to be optimistic, Voters in Charge, who is ing Amendment 3, is not relaxing until they see the entire thing through. They have invested $30 million into media buy that should motivate the voters to vote in favor in November.

Things are looking good– Hill Research Consultants conducted a survey in July that interviewed 1029 Florida voters. The results show that the majority of them will indeed vote, ‘Yes.’

Sowinski adds: “We are confident, but by no means are we complacent. We anticipate the gambling industry and its lobbyists will fight hard against Amendment 3 and we are ready for that challenge.”

Source:

“New polling shows most Floridians want veto power over gambling expansion”, Ryan Nicol, floridapolitics.com, August 31, 2018.