The Seminole Tribe of Florida is making an aggressive campaign for renewal of a gambling compact set to expire in July. The compact gives the tribe exclusive rights over games like blackjack.
Besides creating a television ad, the tribe also commissioned a poll which showed 61% of voters support the renewal of the compact.
Neil Newhouse, Partner and Co-Founder of Public Opinion Strategies, was one of the people in charge of conducting the poll. He discussed the poll's findings during a media conference call on Monday.
"What voters are saying is this, the voters are saying hey, this is working well," said Newhouse.
"You read verbatim comments from people and they believe the Seminoles have earned it. They believe it's bringing jobs and revenue to the state."
Legislation proposed by Florida House Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa, would allow the expansion of slot machines and two casinos to be built in South Florida.
Her proposal makes no mention of the Seminole's compact.
Critics say an expansion in state-wide gambling could affect the state's family-friendly image.
