TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A major gambling bill that would allow slot machines across much of the state is advancing in the Florida House.
A House panel on Monday voted 12-5 in favor of a bill that also approves a proposed deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. That deal lets the tribe add craps and roulette to their existing casinos.
This marks the first time in years that a major gambling bill has made it this far in the Republican-controlled House. The next stop for the legislation will be the full House.
The bill has substantial differences from the Senate proposal. One clause would prevent slot machines being added to any track located within 100 miles of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa.
But the legislation (HB 7109) would still allow slot machines in north Florida, as well as Brevard and Lee counties.
