TALLAHASSEE -- A key test for casino gambling in Florida, a House subcommittee Friday will take up a revised bill that would allow up to three resort casinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The bill (PCS for HB 487) is significantly different from a proposal that passed a Senate committee last month. Along with allowing resort casinos, for example, the Senate proposal also includes the possibility of slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state.
With the House traditionally more reluctant than the Senate to expand gambling, House sponsor Erik Fresen, R-Miami, filed a revised version of his bill Wednesday that stuck closely to the issue of allowing huge "destination" resort casinos.
"We limited it to the original vision of the bill,'' Fresen said.
The House Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee will consider the bill Friday, the first time the proposal has faced a House vote. The Senate bill (SB 710) was approved Jan. 9 by the Regulated Industries Committee but has not been heard again in committee.
The resort-casino issue has touched off a major political fight, dividing business groups and spurring a television ad war. Supporters argue, in part, that resort casinos would add tens of thousands of jobs, while opponents contend they would hurt the state's family-friendly tourism image.
Pari-mutuel facilities play a key role in the debate, as they lobby heavily in Tallahassee and have longstanding relationships with lawmakers. At least some pari-mutuel facilities are worried that resort casinos would have a competitive advantage, because of issues such as casinos being able to offer a broader array of games.
Fresen's proposal would limit resort casinos to Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and voters would have to approve the projects in county referendums. Companies would have to agree to spend at least $2 billion on the development and construction of each resort casino.
While Fresen would not go as far as the Senate bill in concessions to the pari-mutuel industry, his bill would reduce the tax rate on slot machines at Miami-Dade and Broward pari-mutuels from 35 percent to 10 percent. That change, which would only occur if resort casinos are built, would match the tax rate that would apply to the casinos.
The House bill also includes a provision that appears aimed at making the bill more palatable to gambling opponents. That provision would ban Internet cafes, which have opened across the state in recent years and offer games that critics liken to computerized slot machines.
The Senate bill would regulate the cafes but allow them to continue operating. The cafes contend they offer legal sweepstakes games.
Collier County arrests 05-22-2012
Brush Fire In Golden Gate Estates
Punta Gorda Prostitution Arrests…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 14
John_Galt writes:
I'm shocked that the state is allowing competition to their monopoly on gambling (the Lotto). Let people choose how they live their own lives! Laws don't stop gambling, they just drive it underground.
Niki_6 writes:
Who are these closed-minded opponents that contend casino's would hurt the state's family-friendly tourism image? We need more than Disney and beaches to draw tourists. Expand your mind squares!
Naplestango writes:
Let the voters decide!
bananas8187 writes:
That thingee in Bonita offers dog racing and poker, and Bonita is a peaceful, family and tourist friendly hamlet.
But if they put slots, blackjack and roulette in there, the place turns to Sodom and Gomorrah?
That must be powerful stuff right there.
Martha_Simons writes:
You named one answer to your question.
Disney is worried about tourists going to other destinations away from Disney. They have been strong opponents.
OddsMaker writes:
This has gotten "bad idea" written all over it. This kind of activity is surrounded by corruption.
I'll bet there's money in it for the politicians.
rtsspeaks writes:
Let's keep the gamblers going to Vegas and other states to spend their money. We don't need no stinking gambling tax money. Let's pay more in devalued homes taxes to pay the bills!!!
JunkYardDog_1 writes:
20 years ago there was only a few states with lotto and casinos. Now, virtually every state plays the scam. The monopoly money generated by this government approved activity is passed for one reason only. New found free money for Uncle Sam!
teazle writes:
In my 30 years of being in the workforce, both Democrats and Republicans have confiscated my tax money, only to spend it in any irresponsible way they could think of.
Now they're trying to dictate how I spend what's left in my paycheck?
Screw slot machines... bring to Bonita the roulette and crap tables!!!
Sick writes:
You people must have taken a beating at the local casinos.
Go to Vegas and drop 10 g's a hand for days like we do.
ps: There is a hotline for you local casino losers.
teazle writes:
10 g's?
Sounds to me like you're the loser.
wonderful writes:
And let the good times roll!
GITMO!
MisterK writes:
I agree. Leave Florida off of this bandwagon. Florida is about discovering the fountain of youth. Unfortunately, Florida has become the pill mill state. Now, it's drugs and gambling. Where's the pride? Floridians have ample opportunity to set them apart and create something truly unique. But, who gives an eff when we can gamble instead.
fluptown writes:
A little Biloxi in FL, I'll vote for that!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.