Sports betting operator FanDuel has joined the fight against Amendment 3. If approved, the amendment would put voters in charge of the future of gambling in Florida. The measure is to be voted on during the mid-term election on November 6.
In the words of the “antagonist” itself
“Amendment 3 ensures that Florida voters, not Tallahassee politicians, control decisions about casino gambling in our state. For decades, approval of casino gambling was strictly left for Florida voters to decide. Only in the last few years have Tallahassee politicians decided they can legalize casinos without voter approval. Amendment 3 restores the system of requiring approval of casino gambling by Florida voters.”
Limits on Profit-Sharing Deals
Opponents of Amendment 3 argue that the measure would spell out an effective monopoly on casino gaming (which would end up in the hands of the Seminole tribe), as it would limit lawmakers’ capacity to negotiate profit-sharing deals.
The Seminoles, however, contributed $5m to Voters in Charge just this past week.
Amendment 3 “Deceptive”: FanDuel
FanDuel maintains that Amendment 3 would make it “impossible” to introduce sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) to Florida. Loud and clear, the operator has urged the bettors to say “no” to the measure on November 6.
“Amendment 3 was written to try to deceive you”, reads FanDuel’s announcement. “It pretends to give voters more power, but the reality it (…) makes it more difficult to protect your right to play fantasy sports.”
DFS’ Tribulations
Florida has been struggling to legalize DFS and sports betting for years. Numerous gaming bills have been introduced but failed, allegedly because of the Seminoles’ profit-sharing deals, which amount to ca. $300m in revenue per annum.
As things stand now, DFS act as a middle ground. Numerous sites target the Florida market, notwithstanding the fact that no legislation actually exists. DFS may be not be officially labeled as “illegal,” but it certainly hasn’t been legalized either. When it comes to sports betting in the state, things are clear as day. To this day, it remains illegal.
FanDuel in the Wrong: Voters in Charge
Voters in Charge chairman, John Sowinski, says FanDuel is missing the point, apparently by a mile.
“Amendment 3 does not prohibit sports gambling. What it does do is give the final say on this and other casino gambling decisions to Florida voters. Likewise, it does not affect traditional fantasy sports pools”, says Sowinski.
It would appear that actual voters agree. Namely, according to an August poll, 71% of Floridians supported Amendment 3, with 18% against, and 11% undecided.
FanDuel disagrees. Their statement further reads:
“Sports fans like you are now able to legally place bets using the FanDuel app in New Jersey, and at locations in West Virginia, Delaware, and Mississippi, with more states coming on soon. And fans LOVE it. But if Amendment 3 passes, the Legislature will no longer have the power to authorize sports betting in Florida. Our opponents will also use Amendment 3 to make it more difficult to protect your right to play fantasy sports.”
Source:
“’Vote No’: FanDuel comes out in opposition to gambling amendment”, Morgan Rosica, floridapolitics.com, October 4, 2018.
coolsongss
5 years ago
Hero Member
I am reading a few of related article on Floridian Amendament 3. So, if this measure was voted to be chosen, new license of gambling and some major issue in gambling will have to be decided by the national election like every 2 or 4 years? It that how it will work out ? Anyway, I am anticipating about the news how the...
I am reading a few of related article on Floridian Amendament 3. So, if this measure was voted to be chosen, new license of gambling and some major issue in gambling will have to be decided by the national election like every 2 or 4 years? It that how it will work out ? Anyway, I am anticipating about the news how the vote went in last November, hahaha. It is interesting to read through the news toward the fact :)
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