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Ahead of special session, two polls paint pictures of new Florida gambling compact

Both sides speak out on expanded gambling in Florida Both sides speak out on expanded gambling in Florida (wftv.com)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida voters are either very excited about the new Seminole Compact to expand gambling, or they’re concerned about negative effects and legislative overreach.

Less than a week before lawmakers return to Tallahassee to pass laws to implement the new Seminole Compact, a pair of polls are painting separate pictures of how Florida voters view the recently-released deal.

READ: DeSantis signs gaming deal with Seminole Tribe of Florida

In one poll from McLaughlin & Associates, a plurality of respondents (44%) said Florida already had an appropriate amount of gambling, with a majority (76%) saying voters should have the final say when it comes to expansion.

Meanwhile, in another poll from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in association with the Seminole Tribe, 62% of respondents said they supported the new compact, with support increasing when respondents were prompted with the idea that jobs would be created and the state would make money.

READ: Florida general fund losing $350 million a year in gambling revenue; could sports betting hold the answer?

These polls come as those on all sides of the issue prepare for a called special session, where lawmakers will be asked to draft laws to implement the recently-released Seminole Compact.

READ: Court rules fantasy sports contests are illegal gambling

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