Although executives of the gambling industry in Broward County invested approximately 30 million dollars in support of a bill which would have permitted them to operate slot machines in the jurisdiction, their investment seems to have been for naught.
Although the Senate agreed to the slots measure, complete with its 55 percent tax pate, the House failed to follow through, neglecting to take action before the legislative session ended. Many members of both chambers objected to the execution of the voter decision made in March to allow slots. The main issue of debate revolved around the type of slot machines to be offered, namely Slots or “Slots Lite”.
As a result of the legislature's failure to act, four venues, the Hollywood Greyhound Race Track, Gulfstream Park, the Pompano Park Harness Track and the Dania Jai Alai, will remain without slots until further notice.
The proprietor of the Hollywood dog track was quoted as saying that since another hearing on slots legislation is not scheduled until next year, no track executive will pay millions of dollars for equipment without knowing prior knowledge regarding tax rates and various restrictions. In conclusion, nobody can predict when gamblers visiting the aforementioned venues will enjoy slots.
