by Steve Norton
CEO, Norton Management

Economy Looks Good, Which Helps Casinos - South Florida Reporter

Casino gaming can be a wonderful attraction in markets with meaningful population, or a substantial number of visitor accommodations. And, unlike Nevada, Mississippi and Atlantic City, the number of operators should be restricted based on the size of the potential audience.

But I must disagree with Brandon Loeschner on the desirability of Online Gaming. He refers to its success in New Jersey, but NJ has casinos, only in Atlantic City, and 95 percent of the State's population is closer to a casino or racetrack (with slot machines) in Eastern Pennsylvania or New York City.

So for states like Pennsylvania, which are suggesting Online Gaming as a way to raise voluntary taxes, it may wind up harming existing casinos, that are in all major PA cities. And with an Online Gaming tax that is substantially lower than the slot tax, the State could wind up with an increase in casino win, but a decrease in gaming taxes.

The casino and racing industries will see an increase in visits to actual gaming sites when they succeed in adding Sports Betting, and not the Fantasy kind, to their offerings.

Congratulations to the Miami Herald in adding Nick Sortal and expanding their gaming coverage.