Editorial: Expansion of non-tribal casinos is bad for Florida

Monday, October 24, 2011

"Florida voters have rejected allowing full-fledged casinos three times at the ballot box since 1978. No matter. Key lawmakers in the House and Senate, with the tacit support of Gov. Rick Scott, are poised in the session beginning in January to offer a scheme to allow three "resort casinos" in Broward and Miami-Dade counties — without a statewide vote or even a vote in the counties directly affected.

But lacking is any analysis of the impact on Florida's tourism industry; the homegrown parimutuel industry, whose 35 percent tax rate contributes to the state's coffers; or the state's compact with the Seminole Indians, which also brings in significant cash. Or of how turning South Florida into a gambling destination on par with Atlantic City could forever alter the state's image and affect its efforts to diversify from a low-paying service economy. Or of how the scheme ultimately would bleed to other parts of the state as Orlando and Tampa Bay seek parity as hotels whine they cannot compete without gambling."

Get the Story:
Editorial: A bad bet for Florida (The Tampa Bay 10/23)

Other Opinions:
Douglas C. Lyons: Casino bill ups the ante for lobbyists and lawmakers (The South Florida Sun Sentinel 10/22)
Andres Oppenheimer: Las Vegas-style casinos would hurt Miami (The Miami Herald 10/22)
Carol Dover: Legislature rolls the dice if it risks hurting tourism (The Tallahassee Democrat 10/24)

Also Today:
Destination casino bill due out today (Historic City News 10/21)
Blunt-talking Genting president determined to close gambling casino deal in Tallahassee ( The Miami Herald 10/22)