Writer argues that a bill to expand gaming in Florida will lead to a decrease in the number of non-Indian facilities and an increase in the quality of new facilities:
In the possibility that state Rep. Dana Young’s Gaming Control Act of 2015 passes the Legislature, one thing is sure: There will be significant changes in Florida gambling, although maybe not what many expect.
First, South Florida may well become a home to two destination casinos, dog tracks end live greyhound races and slot machines proliferate into new parts of the state.
Then again, the far-reaching bill might actually reduce gambling in Florida.
If the bill is the “biggest expansion of gambling in Florida history,” as anti-expansion group No Casinos argues, how can that be?
The key is the overall gambling footprint in Florida, not simply a raw number of machines or games. One presumption is that gaming is gaming, regardless. Whether betting at the dog track or on blackjack at the casino – gaming takes place.
Get the Story:
Phil Ammann: When evaluating Dana Young’s gambling bill, it helps to think about ‘footprints’
(Saint Peters Blog 3/4)
Another Opinion:
John Sowinski: Don’t let Florida fall victim to gambling’s toxicity
(The Tampa Tribune 3/3)
Related Stories:
Seminole
Tribe touts compact as lawmakers take up expansion (3/3)