Lawmakers are poised for a major debate about gambling issues in the legislative session that starts January 12th.
Their approval is crucial to a 3-billion-dollar gambling deal Governor Rick Scott negotiated with the Seminole Tribe of Florida earlier this month.
The deal, known as a "compact," would expand gambling around the state and affect pari-mutuel facilities as well as tribal casinos.
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican, is cautious about the complicated proposal.
"Is the clock running? Yes. Is it getting late in the game? Yes. Is it going to be a very challenging issue to pass out of the legislature? Yes. That?s just the reality of where we are. Can it be done? Certainly."
Both Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner, an Orlando Republican, have opposed gambling.
But Gardiner says he won't block the deal from coming to the Senate floor.
"My job is to allow the process to work, and I?ve made it clear that if there is a compact or a separate bill that I personally don?t agree with, it?s still going to come to the floor and we?ll have an up or down vote."
Meanwhile, a Senate Democrat is proposing a state gaming commission to oversee regulation of the industry.
The bill by Senator Maria Sachs of Delray Beach would create a five-member commission, appointed by the governor, to take over the current duties of the state Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering.
