Editorial: Reject expansion of gaming in Florida

Friday, May 1, 2009  

"Budget desperation might lead the Legislature to approve the de facto expansion of gambling at Seminole casinos, which now offer high-stakes slots and card games such as blackjack and baccarat. But budget desperation and the last-minute legislative rush should not lead to a major statewide expansion of gambling.

Trying to reach agreement with the House, which is less enthusiastic about gambling, the Senate on Wednesday dropped its original proposal to expand Indian gambling even more to include craps and roulette. But the Senate proposed letting counties adjacent to Broward and Miami-Dade - which have slot machines at horse and dog tracks and jai-alai frontons known as "racinos" - also offer slots if voters approve. Racinos and venues in the adjacent counties - such as Palm Beach Kennel Club - also could offer blackjack and high-stakes poker. The racinos' tax rate would be reduced.

The Senate offer is not as sweet for the Seminoles as a court-voided deal they had reached with Gov. Crist. They could offer card games at casinos in Tampa and west of Hollywood, but not at three other casinos. They would pay $500 million the first year, instead of $100 million. Why would the Seminoles accept less while others get more, including blackjack, to which they were supposed to have exclusive rights? The Senate offer also might appeal less to the House because gambling income, rather than going for education as promised, would go into the general budget."

Get the Story:
Editorial: More gambling no jackpot (The Palm Beach Post 5/1)