"Should the state of Florida approve Vegas-style slots, blackjack and other house-banked card games that the Seminole Tribe began offering in November at its casinos in Tampa and Immokalee?

For the purpose of public discussion, we’re going to pose a far more radical question: Should Florida allow gambling in commercial casinos, like Nevada and Atlantic City? Would that ignite our tourism and growth industries? And pour sorely needed revenue into the state budget?

How about a casino in Bradenton? Or one out on Anna Maria Island?

What sounds rash could be rational.

But let’s be perfectly clear from the outset: We do not support gambling. We’d rather Florida remain a family-friendly vacation destination.

However, the situation demands our attention.

While the tribal gambling debate is unlikely to come up in the Legislature’s current special session, it surely will when the regular session opens in March.

With at least $100 million a year for state coffers at stake and a $2.3 billion budget hole this year and an even bigger spending reduction forecast for the next fiscal year, the debate promises to get heated."

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Editorial: Should state gamble? (The Bradenton Herald 1/11)