Updated April 13, 2024By Chris Boline
For environmentally-minded Floridians, gambling could be their new best friend in the coming years for cleaning up their state. Per a recent article, an estimated $750 million in annual revenue from a gambling compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe will go towards water-quality projects in the state. Moreover, “almost the entire gusher of cash pouring into the government” from the state’s share of profits from expanded gambling offerings by the Seminole Tribe of Florida is now legally earmarked for improving the state’s water quality. As noted in the article, the gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe involves a lot of money – an estimated $750 million a year, Governor Ron DeSantis noted earlier this month. Through 2023, the total could hit $6 billion, his office said.
For this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest gaming notes coming from the Sunshine State along with more notes and info regarding Florida gaming.
Water management is a key priority in gaming deal
As noted in the article, the measure provides $150 million for repairs and upgrades to the Central and South Florida Water Management System, where “most of the infrastructure was built in the middle of the last century,” DeSantis said. Moreover, the system provides water for more than nine million people in the state from Orlando to the Florida Keys and attempts to protect the regions from flooding.
Also noted in the report and bears reviewing once again, the money comes from the 2021 “gaming compact” that gave the Tribe a monopoly on sports betting, craps, and roulette – games that were not authorized previously. It was approved by the Legislature, but the deal required federal approval and was delayed by court challenges. The Seminole Tribe began offering sports betting late last year. Additionally, DeSantis hailed the agreement, which his office said could add $6 million to state coffers through 2030, as a “very good deal.”
New law illustrates other cases of cash flow from Tribes
Also noted in the article, DeSantis said “one $100 million pot of money” would go toward resilience projects that would help minimize the impact of hurricanes. It aims to, the governor’s office said, “guard inland and coastal communities against the impacts of storm damage, surges, hurricanes, and flooding.” The governor also pointed to multiple areas hit by hurricanes, where newer construction fared far better than old buildings. He also said communities would be able to apply to get matching grants from that pool of money to fortify themselves.
The legislation also spells out $100 million for land acquisition within the Florida Wildlife Corridor to help protect wildlife and improve recreation and allocates $100 million for the management of uplands and the removal of invasive species. DeSantis cited as an example the efforts to combat non-native pythons in the Everglades. The law establishes a similar breakdown, including money for the resiliency program, in future years. After those allocations, the rest of the money would go to the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund, which DeSantis said could eventually get $450 million a year. That money would be aimed at reducing harmful nutrients in Florida’s waterways.
Both political parties have praised the legislation
Per the same report, the new law is a bipartisan measure, with unanimous support from Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate. It was praised at a political event earlier this month. Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. said the money from the compact would help with the overarching goal of restoring the Everglades, which has been significantly degraded since the time his grandfather roamed the territory. “Back in those days, they used to go drink from those streams and today would not even think about drinking from those streams,” Osceola said. “You wouldn’t even think about swimming in those streams because you could not see the bottom as you could back then.”
Scott Martin, an angler who specializes in bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee, said the lake is “the headquarters of the Everglades.” He further elaborated by saying, “You go out there on that lake and see that grass, and the birds, and the manatees, and the alligators, and the bucks, and the fish, and the fishermen enjoying that beautiful resource.” Martin is the son of Roland Martin, the longtime host of TV fishing shows. Several dozen people – environmental advocates, employees of DeSantis’ state-run agencies, representatives of conservation organizations, and Republican state legislators from South Florida – were on hand for the bill signing. Of course, with so much money at play, it appears that a lot of important parties in Florida are committed to making sure this project is and continues to be successful.
Other notes and info regarding Florida betting news
Once you are all dialed in relation to the latest Florida news and updates, make sure to tap into the wide variety of information at your disposal available to you at SBS. Of course, for even more updates on the topic at hand, the Florida sports betting guide is a must-read page where you can learn about the latest notes and news coming from the Sunshine State. Moreover, if you are interested in maximizing your wagers, then make sure to check out the best bonus betting sites rundown which covers a lot of fantastic things like a catalog of the latest welcome bonus offers. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps breakdown covers a lot of great tips and tricks related to mobile betting.
About the Author
Chris Boline
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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