Florida House Passes Gambling Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Associated Press) - The Florida House is signing off on a 20-year gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, but it's unclear if the legislation will make it to Gov. Rick Scott's desk.

The House on Monday approved a gambling bill by a 70-40 vote. But it has significant differences with the version now moving through the Senate.

The House legislation (HB 7067) calls for the tribe to pay the state $3 billion over the next seven years. It would allow tribal casinos to keep their blackjack tables.

Legislators have had trouble the last few years passing a gambling bill due to squabbles among different gambling interests. There's a renewed interest in passing a bill this year because a constitutional amendment on casinos goes before voters this fall.