Sports Gambling News In Florida
Florida Sportsbooks + Sports Betting Sites. Betting on sports in Florida is a common pastime, even though the state itself does not specifically sanction any sports betting activity, either on land or online at Internet-based betting shops operating out of the state or elsewhere in the US. While the state now has the legal authority to license and regulate sports betting businesses (thanks to. On Monday, Florida Senator Jeff Brandes of Pinellas County filed three bills for the 2021 legislative session that are intended to legalize sports betting in the Sunshine State. Senator Brandes attempted to get legal sports betting in Florida off the ground during the 2020 session, but all efforts died and didn’t make it any further. If Florida decides to get in the sports betting business, it will be able to charge licensing fees to casinos and racetracks and take a cut of the profits. Right now, that money is all handled.
© Provided by Panama City WJHG-TV For the second year in a row a State Senator is looking to legalize sports betting. We’ll tell you about his proposal and get reaction from those who work in the field.TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - As many Americans prepare to finish out their fantasy football seasons this week, a state senator is hoping next year you may be able to legally play for money.
According to LegalSportsReport.com, legal sports wagering in 19 states and the District of Columbia has generated $340 million in tax revenue over the past two and a half years.
State Senator Jeff Brandes wants Florida to get in on the action. His proposal would put the Florida Department of the Lottery in charge of regulating sports betting.
“This would allow a much more legitimate way to play,” Senator Jeff Brandes said.
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Winnings would be taxed at 15 percent. As with the lottery, revenues generated would go towards education.
FSU Sport Management Professor Dr. Jason Pappas says it could also help boost revenues for college teams, which have been hit hard by the pandemic.
“This would be another huge revenue stream that would offset some of those costs, and I truly believe over the long term would actually increase probably bigger than any other revenue source that’s out there when it comes to sport,” Pappas said .
Brandes hopes his bill can stand on its own.
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“Doing it through the lottery, we’re not giving anybody anymore leverage against us in terms of withholding funds if somebody technically breaks the compact,” Brandes said.
This is the second year in a row the bill has been filed.
Last year it wasn’t heard by any committees, but there is new leadership this year deciding which bills are taken up.
The bill would permit betting on both collegiate and professional sports. Athletes, coaches, referees and management would be banned from betting.
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