Florida Rep. Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, has been named chairman of the House Select Committee on Gaming by House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.

And as with the Senate Gaming Committee, the House effort is viewed as a two-year endeavor.

“The House Select Committee on Gaming will be charged with looking at Florida’s gaming activity holistically to determine ways to improve the state’s oversight of the industry,” Weatherford stated in a release. 

“Under Representative Schenck’s leadership, I’m confident we can determine what changes -- if any -- are needed to develop a comprehensive policy for gaming in Florida.”

Senate Gaming Committee Chairman Garrett Richter, R-Naples, would like a study of the gaming outlets now available in the state -- from the Seminole Compact and pari-mutuels to Internet cafes and the lottery. That study that should continue into the summer.

Schenck also is chairman of the Rules and Calendar Committee.

“Gaming is an issue that requires a careful consideration of existing law before any decisions are made regarding the industry’s future in Florida,” Schenck stated in a release. “I look forward to conducting a comprehensive review to set a long-term vision for the future of gaming in Florida.”

According to the release from Weatherford’s office, the select committee will “conduct a comprehensive review of Florida’s gaming industries and to recommend legislative actions to solidify a unified, long-term policy for the future of gaming in Florida that serves the best interest of all Floridians.”

Any report, the release added, will be made prior to the 2014 session.



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.