GAMING Back in July, the Seminole Indian Tribe informed the State of Florida they would no longer remit payments to the state beginning August 24th. With the Gaming Compact set to expire on October 1st, negotiations have renewed between the Tribe and State of Florida. While details are sketchy, it is believed that the Tribe is seeking additional venues for banked card games and the inclusion of roulette and craps within the permitted games. The State, meanwhile, is seeking a substantial increase to the current $250 million annual payment allowing such games. Any agreement must be approved by both the Legislature and the federal government.
HOSPITAL CONTRACT AUDITS Governor Scott has requested audits of some hospitals’ contracts with health care insurers to determine their compliance with the state law limiting payment to 120% of the Medicaid fee schedule. Some hospitals did not meet his August 1st deadline to provide information regarding compliance. One hundred and twenty-nine hospitals face possible audits by the Agency for Healthcare Administration.
FLORIDA LOTTERY VENDOR SEARCH The Florida Lottery is looking for a new company to operate machines that sell Powerball and other similar games. The 10-year, $333 million contract with Gtech was set to expire in September, but was extended until March 2017 or until a new company is selected. The agency has asked vendors to show their ability to sell lottery tickets online and via vending machines, similar to ATM machines. While no formal announcement to sell lottery tickets online has been made, Governor Scott has vehemently opposed such sales in the past.