Multimillion-dollar casino proposal could come to Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Las Vegas Sands, a casino company in Nevada, poured $17 million into a Jacksonville-based political committee.

Florida Voters in Charge has submitted two pitches for the ballot on casino development.

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Jacksonville fits the bill for both propositions, but Las Vegas Sands stated it did not have any specifics to share at this time.

The first proposed initiative would allow for a casino at existing cardroom license holders, such as bestbet. They would be allowed to offer full casino games, including roulette, craps, and card games.

Under the initiative, the development would have to be at least 130 miles away from tribal land in South Florida. Developers would also have to spend at least $250 million on the casino.

Action News Jax reached out to bestbet for a statement. We will update this article when we hear back.

The second proposition would allow up to three new casino permits or locations at least 100 miles from tribal land. Developers would have to spend at least $500 million on the casino.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has control of gambling across the state, including at its seven casinos in South Florida.

In a statement to Action News Jax, a representative for Florida Voters in Charge said, “This 100-mile radius provision is very important because staying outside of the 100-mile plus radius does not impact the revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.”

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The political committee confirmed both amendments will include an area anywhere from Pensacola to Jacksonville.

Both proposals have been submitted for approval from the secretary of state. If a proposal is approved, it will move on to the signature-gathering process to be placed on the ballot.

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