The Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Photo from Facebook
Columnist doesn't think lawmakers in Florida will expand gaming despite promises of additional revenues:
During last year’s session, the Legislature was expected to overhaul Florida’s outdated gambling laws, but it never happened. But with the 2010 compact allowing blackjack at tribal casinos set to expire on July 31, the lawmakers, or Gov. Rick Scott, will have to act soon. Gaming interests gave generously during the recent election, and it remains to be seen how their money pays off. Gaming, once seen as sinful, now is viewed in many cities and states as a source of revenue that doesn’t require a tax increase. In some places it is viewed as the last hope and eventual salvation. But governments looking to fill their coffers with more gambling should check out the current landscape. They might conclude that more doesn’t always get you more, and that in many places venues are on a losing streak. ♦ Four casinos in Atlantic City closed last year, including the $2.3 billion Revel. A fifth, the Trump Taj Mahal, may close soon. When it’s all over, more than 10,000 employees will lose their jobs. ♦ In Mississippi, Harrah’s Tunica, with its 1,200 hotel rooms, closed due to competition from neighboring states. ♦ In Connecticut, tribal casinos have struggled for years, with one reducing its staff by more than 1,000 workers in 2013. ♦ Government officials in Delaware and Rhode Island have had to subsidize casinos to preserve jobs and tax revenues, which seems contradictory. So gaming venues in some places appear to be crapping out even as the economy improves.Get the Story:
Joe Brown: Don’t bet on big changes to gambling (The Tampa Bay Tribune 1/15) Related Stories:
Seminole Tribe faces deadline on new Class III casino compact (1/12)
Join the Conversation
