June 26, 2009

Dear Friends:

This week, I attended a slot machine gaming rules hearing and workshop in Ft. Lauderdale. While I was in the area, I was able to tour the Calder/Tropical thoroughbred track. Pari-Mutuel Wagering is a topic we often read about in the news, particularly in South Florida. South Florida is home to many pari-mutuel facilities, including: Calder, Dania Jai Alai Mardi Gras, Flagler Greyhound Track, Gulfstream, Fort Pierce Jai Alai, The Isle at Pompano Park, Palm Beach Kennel Club, and Miami/Summer Jai Alai.

Many conversations about pari-mutuel wagering center on Senate Bill 788, which Governor Crist signed. This legislation is known by industry members as the "gaming bill," and grants authority to the Governor to execute an Indian Gaming compact on behalf of the State with the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida for the purpose of authorizing Class III gaming on Tribe's land. This classification includes slot machine gaming and banked card games such as blackjack, chemin de fer and baccarat. To read the detailed bill analysis, please click here.

An important component of SB788, is that it provides revenue sharing payments from the Tribe that must be deposited into the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. In short, this compact would provide more revenue to fund the education of our youth.

While this legislation was signed by the Governor, there are still several steps remaining in the process. It requires that the negotiated compact be ratified by the Legislature, including any amendments, authorizes the Governor to negotiate agreements for all taxes, and provides legislative intent to review the compact within five years.

You may be wondering what DBPR has to do with this legislation. The legislation designates the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to monitor the Tribe's compliance with the compact. DBPR is closely monitoring the progress of the legislation, and we look forward to providing you with updates.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Drago
Secretary

Department of Business and
Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
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