HB 487 - Gaming Bill Summary

• Creates Department of Gaming Control: Establishes a new state department headed by the State Gaming Commission to regulate all gaming activities, replacing the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering previously under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

• Authorizes Destination Resorts with Limited Gaming: Allows up to three destination resorts to operate limited gaming (slot machines, table games) in counties where voters approve it through referendum, with minimum $2 billion development investment required.

• Establishes Licensing Framework: Creates resort licenses, supplier licenses, and occupational licenses with comprehensive application requirements, background checks, fingerprinting, and ongoing compliance monitoring through a facilities-based computer system.

• Sets Revenue Structure: Imposes 10% gross receipts tax on gaming revenues, $2 million annual license fee per resort, and $250,000 regulatory fee for compulsive gambling prevention programs.

• Transfers Pari-mutuel Regulation: Moves all pari-mutuel wagering oversight, slot machine licensing, and cardroom regulation from DBPR to the new Department of Gaming Control under the State Gaming Commission.