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Florida gambling talks heating up

Posted on January 14th, 2011

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A couple of days ago, Florida’s new governor Rick Scott reportedly said he was amenable to gambling expansion talks. And now, more leaders from the Sunshine State have expressed that gambling is indeed an option for them as a tool for economic growth. Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek said, “I wouldn’t say the Florida Legislature is more open to approving it, but they are more open to discussing it.” Florida is a known tourist destination during winter months; sun and beach have always been an irresistible combination. If casinos, entertainment centers and major shopping facilities such as the one presented by Sands to lawmakers last year will be added to the mix, it will surely be a hit. Aside from the tourism revenue, more jobs and tax revenues are also expected. Economist believe that Florida would not complain about the $435 million to $750 million per license that would be added to the state’s treasury.

The hype that the governor has given his okay for the gambling expansion, was somewhat doused when Gov. Scott said he was misquoted and said “I don’t know why anybody would say that,” Scott said. “I’ve not taken any position other than the position I’ve already said.” He also adds that gambling is already allowed in the state, and that he does not want Florida to be dependent on gambling for revenues. Being the fourth largest state in America, with a total population of 18, 801, 301, it is impossible to totally prohibit all forms of gambling in it. Currently, it has seven Indian gaming locations, which allows low limit poker, video pull tabs, horse racing, jai alai frontons, and other Class II games. It also has approximately 15 casino boats. “I’m fine with what they are doing,” says Scott “I’ve not taken any position I want to expand gaming or make any changes.” Governor Scott also cleared that what transpired during the meeting between him and Las Vegas Sands’ operator Sheldon Adelson, was nothing but a short stop over on his way to the Republican Governors Association meeting. Sands has been lobbying for years for a casino ban in Florida to be lifted. When asked about what really transpired, since Gov. Scott chose not to elaborate, Sands Spokesman Ron Reese said it was an “introductory meeting”.

Options for Florida include allowing pari mutuels all over the state to install video lottery terminals,
renewing the five year compact with the Seminoles, or lifting the casino ban, and allow big name casinos to operate in the area. “Many states that don’t have gaming are looking at it seriously because their neighboring states are doing it. The thinking is, if we don’t do it, somebody else is, and they’re going to take our dollars.” says Rep. Waldman. He also adds that, “Then there’s the budgeting issues and the fact that while it’s not the way to balance the budget, it certainly helps put a finger in the dike.” Former anti gambling personalities have also seemingly dropped their stances on the issue, like Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff of R-Fort Lauderdale, “It’s not expansion. It’s here,” she said. “We’re already the fourth-largest gambling state in the nation.” She also noted that Florida will give Las Vegas a serious run for their money in terms of prime location if they indeed choose to go where many states dare not.

Bob Jarvis, a respected professor who co-wrote a gambling book also observes that an average person is okay with the prospect of gambling expansion, even if that person does not even gamble. But the public draws the line between casino gambling and convenience gambling, the latter only being able to operate, say, a slot machine. Jarvis also adds that the 700,000 jobs that Governor Scoot promised in seven years, would not just materialize from nowhere. “Gambling is a great engine for creating jobs, both construction and long-term, if you can make yourself into a destination,” he adds. Also, according to Steve Geller, Former President of National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, “the Senate has been willing to pass a bill for years; it’s the House that’s been the problem, I’ve not yet heard anyone yet talk of expanded gambling of any type.” he said.