Florida House Bill Would Not Permit Major Casinos in South Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (Associated Press) - The Florida House is saying no to bringing major casinos to South Florida.

Rep. Robert Schenck, R-Spring Hill, and chairman of the House committee looking at gambling, rolled out a comprehensive gambling bill on Monday evening. The lengthy bill calls for an overhaul of how gambling is regulated in the state and would create a statewide gaming commission.

But it does not authorize the creation of two Las Vegas-styled casinos.

A Senate proposal, by contrast, would allow casinos in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

The House also plans to pursue a constitutional amendment that would require voter approval for any future expansion of gambling.

Schenck in a statement said his bill would create a "strong gaming commission" and "clean up significant and glaring loopholes in current law."