Editorial: Why fight more gaming in Florida?

Friday, March 27, 2009  

"Florida is a gambling state - always has been. We have perhaps more pari-mutuel outlets than any state, a huge lottery and casino gambling has a strong foothold.

Why fight this any longer? Gambling hurts some people, undoubtedly. But compulsive gamblers already have plenty of legal opportunities to blow the grocery money.

Gambling will not solve state revenue problems. But Florida needs to milk revenue sources beyond growth and tourism to maintain services, much less improve them.

There is simply no good reason at this point to hold casino gambling at arm's length. Urge our lawmakers to permit it, regulate it strictly, offer the usual gamblers anonymous hot lines and rake in the taxes."

Get the Story:
Editorial: You can bet on casino gambling (The Pensacola News-Press 3/27)

More Stories:
Midway through legislative session, gambling is key (The Miami Herald 3/27)
Could high-stakes poker be in Florida's future? (The Miami Herald 3/27)