Amid casino fight, Disney drops another $250,000+ on FL political parties

[Rumors Rocks]

Amid casino fight, Disney drops another quarter-million-plus on Florida's political parties

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...das-political-parties-20131011,0,3662674.post

Walt Disney World dropped another quarter-million dollars on to Florida’s political parties this summer, as the giant resort continues trying to quash plans for Las Vegas-style casinos in South Florida.

New state records show Disney contributed $225,000 to the Republican Party of Florida between July 1 and Sept. 30. It gave another $60,000 to the Florida Democratic Party, plus about $85,000 worth of free theme-park tickets, hotel rooms, food and drinks for Tallahassee’s minority party to use in fundraisers and other events.

Disney has made preventing the construction of “destination resort” casinos its top legislative priority. Disney executives say adult-oriented gambling would undermine Florida’s reputation with family travelers, but it also wants to avoid further competition for tourists’ time and money.

Not to be outdone, Disney’s arch-nemesis in the gambling battle – Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, which wants to build a massive casino resort in downtown Miami – gave $250,000 to the state Republican Party, which commands big majorities in both chambers of the Legislature.

Altogether, the third-quarter campaign-finance reports are a vivid reminder of just how profitable the gambling debate has become for state lawmakers, who have chosen to stretch the debate over several years.

Beyond Disney and Genting, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which currently holds exclusive rights in the state to blackjack and other table games, gave $250,000 to the Republicans and $75,000 to the Democrats.

And smaller pari-mutuels, who want more gambling options themselves, added even more. Mardi Gras Gaming gave $80,000 to the Republicans, while the Palm Beach Kennel Club donated $39,100 and Jacksonville Greyhound Racing added $25,000. Meanwhile, Calder Race Course handed $20,000 to the Democrats.

No "politically charged" comments please.

 

[Imhere]

This post is ABOUT political contributions.

How can the responses not be about politics?

 

[Rumors Rocks]

It's just a reminder to avoid controversial political statements that always spiral into exhaustive party versus party arguments or disparaging comments about current or previously held offices, etc.

This post is focused more on Disney fighting to keep the Las Vegas style casinos out of South Florida than the political party contributions.

 

[momof2n2]

I am glad Disney is doing this. Count me among the "Florida is Family Friendly" crowd. True, Miami is a long way south... But it wouldn't be long before casinos popped up everywhere. Orlando wouldn't be far behind.

 

[Carbonfiber07]

I am glad Disney is doing this. Count me among the "Florida is Family Friendly" crowd. True, Miami is a long way south... But it wouldn't be long before casinos popped up everywhere. Orlando wouldn't be far behind.

So what?

Not meant in any way as an attack. My concern is what right does Disney have to tell property owners hundreds of miles away, how to use their property? Obviously, Vegas-style gambling is illegal in all of Florida (minus tribal casinos and limited table games - I think), and the rationale is from a public policy concern - a valid argument, no doubt. But, if those public policy arguments are not convincing, and the ONLY reason is mega-corporations do not want the competition for vacation dollars, then I would have a problem with that. Perhaps I am in the minority.

To clarify, keeping Vegas-style gambling illegal is okay if that is what the people want. Keeping Vegas-style gambling illegal is not okay if that is what Disney wants. If both groups want it illegal, then it just aligns perfectly.

 

[Jafar30]

Doesn't California have casinos? Why not Florida. It's not like they're competing for the same audience

 

[momof2n2]

So what?

Not meant in any way as an attack. My concern is what right does Disney have to tell property owners hundreds of miles away, how to use their property? Obviously, Vegas-style gambling is illegal in all of Florida (minus tribal casinos and limited table games - I think), and the rationale is from a public policy concern - a valid argument, no doubt. But, if those public policy arguments are not convincing, and the ONLY reason is mega-corporations do not want the competition for vacation dollars, then I would have a problem with that. Perhaps I am in the minority.

To clarify, keeping Vegas-style gambling illegal is okay if that is what the people want. Keeping Vegas-style gambling illegal is not okay if that is what Disney wants. If both groups want it illegal, then it just aligns perfectly.

It's the atmosphere of it. When I've wanted to go to Las Vegas, I've gone to Las Vegas. Central FL is a different destination IMO. I don't want to see I-94 being bought up by casino developers and monster-sized, LV-style, neon casinos and parking garages popping up. If it takes Disney dollars to stop it, I'm okay with it.

 

[ethanwa]

Want to gamble on the east? Go to Atlantic City. Want to gamble on the west? Go to Las Vegas.

I am with Disney on this one. Keep Florida as family-friendly as possible.

 

[Carbonfiber07]

It's the atmosphere of it. When I've wanted to go to Las Vegas, I've gone to Las Vegas. Central FL is a different destination IMO. I don't want to see I-94 being bought up by casino developers and monster-sized, LV-style, neon casinos and parking garages popping up. If it takes Disney dollars to stop it, I'm okay with it.

Want to gamble on the east? Go to Atlantic City. Want to gamble on the west? Go to Las Vegas.

I am with Disney on this one. Keep Florida as family-friendly as possible.

I don't necessarily disagree with either of you regarding the outcome. I have a problem with giant corporations telling Floridians what is legal or not legal in their state. Put it to a vote and let the people decide.

 

[mikek]

I don't necessarily disagree with either of you regarding the outcome. I have a problem with giant corporations telling Floridians what is legal or not legal in their state. Put it to a vote and let the people decide.

i kind of agree- but if the gambling industry is spending an enormous sum to sway the vote their way then why is disney the evil one trying to sway the vote the opposite way?

I just glanced over it but seems Disney is being outspent 2:1

There's even a dreaded "foreign" company basically pacing Disney's spending alone. If a giant US firm "telling Floridians" what to do is icky then isn't it ickier if a giant foreign firm does it?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As a shareholder, my thought is that Disney should create a major casino on WDW. There is enough room.

 

[DPCummerbund]

I don't understand this article at all.

Disney, native american groups, and casinos builders have given money to candidates of BOTH political parties in hopes of influencing a casino vote?

Why... that means that our entire political system is based on handing out money, and key votes (from allegedly independent elected officials) can be bought or sold on the free market!! That can't POSSIBLY be true!

 

[ilovethisplace]

Florida has casinos all over, including some huge Vegas-style ones already. Have you seen the Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel and Casino? It's huge. Or how the Tampa Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. There are casinos in just about all corners of FL. Once you factor in the Slot Parlors, Jai alai and dog racing there is no shortage of places to gamble in FL already. Just saying. Seems like lots of people aren't aware that there is more to FL than theme parks. It's a big state, bigger than the 43 square miles of WDW.

 

[OldsDr]

As a shareholder, my thought is that Disney should create a major casino on WDW. There is enough room.

I am not joking, years ago a Boat captain on the way to FW told me that disney was waiting for the public's perception of gambling to improve so they could put a casino "Right over there" Pointing to the wodded areas along the lake (I think a lot of that area is now Golden Oak)

Brought back that converstaion when I read this comment.

 

[MrsBusDriver]

Speaking for myself I don't want casinos anywhere near WDW. That said I know its not up to me but if I lived there I would start a petition or letter writing campaign to let my congressmen and senators know how I and hopefully others feel.

 

[Carbonfiber07]

There's even a dreaded "foreign" company basically pacing Disney's spending alone. If a giant US firm "telling Floridians" what to do is icky then isn't it ickier if a giant foreign firm does it?

Yup. Works both ways. As a Floridian, I would rather they just put it to the people to vote upon.

 

[DougK]

I have no problem with Disney wanting to keep Florida "family friendly" but in keeping with that maybe they should also limit drinks at the Food and Wine Festival to curtail the number of drunk people wandering around World Showcase. Dealing with intoxicated people is not exactly "family friendly". But of course Disney makes a huge profit on those unlimited drinks so I guess they will continue to look the other way when it comes to this issue.

 

[DPCummerbund]

I am not joking, years ago a Boat captain on the way to FW told me that disney was waiting for the public's perception of gambling to improve...

I think this is spot on. Casinos are a HUGE draw on most cruise ships. AFAIK, Disney is still the only cruise line that doesn't have casinos onboard. They certainly could (everybody else does), but having a casino is perceived as being unfriendly to families. This ends up costing Disney a lot of money (casinos make, um... boatloads of money).

 

[DPCummerbund]

I have no problem with Disney wanting to keep Florida "family friendly" but in keeping with that maybe they should also limit drinks at the Food and Wine Festival to curtail the number of drunk people wandering around World Showcase. Dealing with intoxicated people is not exactly "family friendly". But of course Disney makes a huge profit on those unlimited drinks so I guess they will continue to look the other way when it comes to this issue.

Until stuff like this happens:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Drunk_Epcot_guest_attacks_three_Walt_Disney_World_cast_members.htm

 

[BlackestRose]

My concern is what right does Disney have to tell property owners hundreds of miles away, how to use their property?

They have about as much right as the proponents have to tell property owners who don't want casinos in their state have. Gambling isn't free. It costs states quite a bit in police and other services.

It seems, approximately, Disney has about $370k worth of no gambling vs the pro $809.1k. According to citizens united, the pro side wins.