New political groups emerge to block Florida gambling-control amendment

Gambling-backed political groups have emerged recently in Florida with one simple goal—to block a proposed state constitutional amendment requiring voters’ approval of new gambling.

Florida Politics reported that political committees Citizens for the Truth About Amendment 3 (Amendment 3) and Vote NO on 3 (Vote NO) filed their respective registrations to fend off the initiative that will stop gambling expansion in the state. These newly-registered groups were bankrolled by gambling operators, according to the report.

Isadore “Izzy” Havenick, whose family operates Magic City Casino in Miami and Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker in Bonita Springs, is the chairman of political group Vote NO. On the other hand, Amendment 3 is chaired by Dan Adkins. Adkins is a well-known figure in Florida’s gambling industry being a longtime head of Hallandale Beach’s former Mardi Gras Casino and Race Track.

Other details about the newly-formed groups, including their formation paperwork and initial campaign finance information, weren’t available yet in the state government’s website.