Florida commissions gambling study

The Florida Legislature has commissioned a study on gambling in the wake of the state ban on sweepstakes cafe’s.

Spectrum Gaming Group, selected to conduct the study will run the two-part initiative to enable the Legislature to better understand the fiscal, economic and social impact of potential changes in the State’s gambling environment, said a statement.

Spectrum’s analysis will cover:

• The current social and economic effects of Florida’s gambling industry

• The impact of a variety of potential changes in the industry related to state economic and social effects as well as the effect on other areas of the economy.

• A statistical analysis of relationships between gambling and economic variables for communities.

“The Florida Lottery, Seminole casinos, and gaming activities at licensed pari-mutuel facilities generate substantial economic activity; however, the state’s management of these activities has been focused on piecemeal changes, not a comprehensive policy that integrates gaming into the broader Florida economy,” said Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville.

“This study will help House and Senate committees comprehensively examine gaming issues, including those that will affect the scheduled renegotiation of the Seminole Gaming Compact.”

The two-part report will be delivered separately in July and October 2013 and is reportedly costing the Legislature around 380 000 Dollars.