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Surveys Say Voters Support Gambling

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: February 24, 2009

TAMPA - A survey commissioned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and conducted by a Virginia-based firm whose co-founder consults for the Republican Party has found support for casino gambling.

The survey by Public Opinion Strategies found that 43 percent of voters support casino gambling compared with 21 percent who describe themselves as opponents.

The survey of 800 registered Florida voters, conducted Jan. 25 and 26, also found voters favor, 71 percent to 23 percent, the compact between the tribe and Gov. Charlie Crist to allow Seminole casino gambling in return for a minimum $100 million annual payment to the state.

The latter finding was comparable to the results of a Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey of 1,001 Florida voters Feb. 11-16. In that poll, 63 percent said the Florida Legislature should approve the agreement hammered out by Crist; 33 percent said the Legislature should not approve the compact.

As a result of a challenge by the Republican-dominated Legislature, the Florida Supreme Court found that Crist did not have the authority to agree to the compact without the Legislature's involvement. The issue is expected to share center stage at the legislative session scheduled to begin in Tallahassee on March 3.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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