Column: Florida benefits from expansion of non-Indian gaming

The benefits of integrated casino resorts would be huge for Florida. They would offer unique business opportunities because they not only would attract in-state visitors but also would become a destination for large convention business as well as tourists from around the world.

If you study the area around a casino resort, you can find business opportunities that may have higher growth potential because of their proximity to a business that continually draws in new customers. Here are some examples of businesses that will thrive near these integrated resorts:

• Entertainment venues: Casino resorts are being reclassified from strictly gambling venues to entertainment venues. These facilities are more attractive to a family-oriented customer base. Families with kids may come to such an area to enjoy a movie, affordable amusement-park style rides, video arcades or miniature golf. Adults still will have the gambling option available but can have just as good a time without stepping foot on the gaming floor. Recent numbers show that Florida’s tribal casinos increased nongambling revenue by 25 percent in 2012, far better than the 2.7-percent increase posted by all other tribal facilities throughout the U.S. Nongambling revenue includes food, entertainment and hospitality.