CS for SB 710 - Gaming Summary

• Creates Department of Gaming Control with a State Gaming Commission as agency head to regulate all gaming in Florida, replacing the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Establishes destination resorts with limited gaming allowing up to three resort licenses in counties that approve gaming by referendum, requiring minimum $2 billion investment and 10 percent gaming floor limit

• Authorizes limited gaming at pari-mutuel facilities in counties with voter approval, conditional upon a destination resort beginning operations first and limited to facilities conducting live racing or games prior to January 15, 2012

• Implements comprehensive gaming regulatory framework including licensure requirements for resort operators, suppliers, manufacturers, and occupational employees with financial disclosure, background checks, and ethics provisions

• Establishes gaming tax structure with 10 percent gross receipts tax on destination resorts, $5 million annual license fees, and provisions for compulsive gambling treatment programs funded by licensee contributions