Florida legislature to review all forms of gambling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- The chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee says the Florida Legislature will conduct a comprehensive review of all forms of gambling.

Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican, said the objective over the next two years will be to determine how gambling regulations and revenues benefit Floridians before changes are made.

Richter said that in the past, gambling legislation was passed without knowing the effect it would have.

He said the House and Senate will jointly hire a consultant to conduct the review covering all forms of gambling.

That includes the state lottery, Indian casinos, cruises to nowhere, Internet cafes, horse and dog racing and jail alai, which already exist in the state. It also will cover potential new forms of gambling such as destination resorts.