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"We have this ambiguous, unpredictable state of flux out there that needs to be wrangled in," Galvano told reporters.

One of the primary objectives for lawmakers on both sides will be settling at least three pending gambling-related lawsuits.

The cases include one in which a federal judge recently sided with the Seminoles regarding the tribe's ability to continue offering blackjack and other banked card games after the portion of the 2010 compact expired in 2015.

Another lawsuit focuses on whether pari-mutuels in counties where voters have approved slots can add the lucrative machines, even without the express permission of the Legislature.
And a third centers on a recent decision by a Tallahassee judge approving electronic games that critics, including the Seminoles, argue are effectively slot machines and warn could start popping up in convenience stores, bars and gas stations throughout the state.

Meanwhile, the Seminoles, who want to add craps and roulette at tribal casinos, have warned Scott and legislative leaders the U.S. Department of the Interior, which must sign off on a compact, would not approve any deal that requires the tribe to pay more to the state unless the terms also include additional exclusivity.

"I can't tell you if we'll ultimately reach a full resolution this session but I can tell you that the major interests and the people who would be part of this resolution --- such as the Florida House, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the governor's office --- they also understand that at this point inaction is not an option," Galvano said before Thursday's 32-6 vote on the Senate bill.

Senators spent less than four minutes on the measure, which sailed through two committees prior to being considered by the full chamber.

Galvano told reporters he would "walk away" from any deal that did not resolve the legal disputes.

The movement of the proposals before the legislative session's midpoint --- and the promise of a conference committee to negotiate the issue, a departure from the past --- cheered the pari-mutuel industry, which has been unable to force lawmakers to approve major gambling-related legislation for years.

"Obviously, the Senate is going to have to come toward the House position and the House is going to have to come toward the Senate position, and where that middle ground is is still a guessing game to all of us. But the fact that we have two leaders willing to try and hammer this out is something that's making us all hopeful," said lobbyist Nick Iarossi, who represents dog tracks in Jacksonville and Melbourne.