Bill to create gaming commission filed in Florida

According to the proposal, the commission would be integrated by five members, appointed by the state governor.

US.- A lawmaker from the state of Florida,  has introduced legislation -for the second consecutive year- aiming to create a department to control regulation and revenues from legal betting operations in the state. Senate Bill 1198 was filed by Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach.

The 184-page text proposes a five-member commission appointed by the governor. Under the bill, the new Department of Gaming would oversee “the activities of all gaming entities, to regulate their operations, to enforce gaming laws and regulations.”

The bill raised concerns among those that oppose an expansion on gaming. However it was well received by the House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, who said: “I’ve always been a proponent of a gaming commission because I think we need a structure outside of the DBPR.” Crisafulli added:“It goes beyond just licensing.”

If approved, the new department would combined duties that are now provided by the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Lottery Department and Agriculture Department.