Broward County, Florida Casinos to Start Operating Slots by Summer, 2006
After an almost year-long debate and a fierce fight about legalizing slot machines, both legislative houses in Florida, the House of Representatives and the Senate, have finally passed a resolution to allow the operation of slots at existing gaming venues across Broward County. Florida legislators authorized county gaming operators to install and operate a total of 6,000 Las Vegas-style slot machines at parimutuel betting facilities. As part of the agreement, however, 50% of the slots' profits will benefit the state, in the form of taxes.
On Thursday, Florida lawmakers sent the bill to Governor Jeb Bush, who is expected to pass it into law. State legislators said that they voted in favor of the bill not because they back slots, but rather because it is their duty to enforce public will. The public's will was expressed in a Broward county “Yes” vote to a March referendum on whether or not to allow the addition of slots to parimutuel facilities. Although Governor Bush is a fervent opponent of gaming expansion, he was reported as saying that he would sign the bill, enabling Broward's four parimutuels, Dania Jai Alai, Pompano Park Harness Track, Gulfstream Park race course, and Hollywood Greyhound track, to start operating slot machines as soon as this summer.
Right after the bill was officially passed, Hollywood Greyhound lobbyist Danny Atkins announced the immediate commencement of construction at his site to accommodate the new slots. Notably, the slots bill also provides Governor Bush with the proper framework through which to resume negotiations with tribal leaders regarding the installation and operation of Las Vegas-style slot machines on the premises of their casinos.
