by Steve Norton
CEO, Norton Management

House sees Senate on gambling bill, raises the ante - SaintPetersBlog

Today's article has no mention of previous House plans to allow Greyhound tracks to stop live races. That would be a far better solution, than giving any track or fronton the right to have slot machines, subject only to a local vote. Miami-Dade and Broward got approval for slots for their pari-mutual's, only after a Statewide referendum, and a follow up county vote. One that Miami-Dade first rejected, and only got slots 2 years later, with a 2nd. positive county vote.

And I noticed the House, did not approve Craps and Roulette, like the Senate; which in my view puts the sizable increase in the Seminole Tribes Compact payments at risk. And this would not be just the Tribe, but the Federal Government, that has to approve financial provisions of State and Tribal deals.

Slots at tracks and frontons, other than thoroughbred and harness racing; is primarily an amenity for the local population. If Florida really wants gaming, to increase tourism, they should take another look at the destination casino bill that was considered several years ago. But this time, considering the Seminole compact, any full resort casinos should be placed in North Florida, and subject to another referendum.

But I have a hard time understanding the House's opposition to the games of Craps and Roulette, at the larger Hard Rock casinos; because they would complete casinos, that are already pretty substantial. But to many US visitors, a casino is not a real casino without Craps; and if Florida wants to welcome more European visitors, then Roulette is a must. When you have casinos, as substantial as the Hard Rock's; I can't understand the reluctance of adding two games that would put the Seminole casino on even footing with nearby competition in the Bahamas, Atlantis, and the soon to open Baha Mar; plus Biloxi, Las Vegas and the many casinos in the Caribbean and Central America. Also, considering the sizeable increase in the Seminole Tribe's proposed compact contributions to Florida, the Federal Government could have a contrary position.