If the upcoming South Florida referendum on slot machines will determine to integrate them within pari-mutuel sites, slightly withered frontons may soon sense a fresh breath of air and a boost of vitality. Slots are bringing new hopes to the local officials and residents with the local tax cuts, large coffers of money for schools and many flocks of tourists.
Over the past 10 years, Florida has experienced a drastic diving in the traffic at pari-mutuels, of 11.4 millions to 2.7 million a year. This is believed to be the direct consequence of the gambling cruise ships, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, launched in May.
Some residents are not enthusiastic about the expansion of gambling accessories at frontons or racetracks, fearing that more people would become susceptible to illegal engagements and crimes. Others believe that with increased popularity of jai-alai, it would be extremely difficult to get to the neighborhood. In the past, events at Dania Jai-Alai and the Hollywood Greyhound Track would attract up to 10,000 visitors a day.
The leader of slots opposition, Busch and Hollywood Mayor Mara Giulianti argued against the creation of "sin city" in South Florida.
