News & Public Affairs

County Commisioners address rise of 'Sweepstakes Cafes' in Hillsborough listen

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Tags: Gambling, casinos, Hillsborough County Commission

So-called “sweepstakes cafes” are sprouting up across the state. Some say they operate in a legal “grey area” and promote gambling.

Republican Commissioner Sandra Murman vehemently opposes these cafes and proposed an ordinance to ban new ones.

Sweepstakes cafes are a rising business across the state of Florida. There are 30 in Hillsborough County, 8 of which opened in the past month. Pa...

Governor Crist speaks with students at USF St. Pete listen

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Tags: wmnf, Charlie Crist, SB6, oil drilling near Florida's coast, Seminole Indians, Gambling

Despite a major education vote on Capitol Hill, Gov. Charlie Crist took time to speak with students last night at USF St. Petersburg.

USF St. Petersburg students enrolled in St. Petersburg Times columnist Howard Troxler’s Florida Politics class were treated to a personal discussion with Crist. Crist’s decisions are often the topics of heated debates every Thursda...

FL House Panel passes gambling bill listen

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Tags: gambling

A House panel this morning passed a vote on its proposed gambling compact, a much more modest approach than what has already passed through the State Senate.

The House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review passed a proposal that would produce at least $100 million dollars in annual revenue for the state. West Palm Beach Democrat Mary Brandenberg said she thought it was premature to be voting on what she barely called a proposal, much less a bill.

But it’s only the first st...

Court rejects pact with Seminole Tribe listen

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Tags: Charlie Crist, Seminole Indians, Gambling

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled against Gov. Charlie Crist in the Seminole gaming contract, saying he had no authority "to change or amend state law."

Last November, Crist signed the 25-year deal that gave the tribe exclusive statewide rights to offer games like blackjack and baccarat and the only Las Vegas-style slots outside of South Florida. In return, the state was to receive a portion of at least $100 million in the first year.

Senate President Ken Pruitt said today that the ...