Broward County voters have spoken; it's now up to Florida's leadership, regardless of personal views, to
properly govern pari-mutuel gambling operations. Having failed to defeat slot machines at the polls, they
must not use unnecessarily cumbersome regulation to achieve their goals in backhanded ways.
Tallahassee should work closely with gambling advocates, including some South Florida lawmakers and the
owners of the county's jai-alai fronton and three horse and dog racing tracks. Together, they should craft
legislation embodying sensible rules.
The regulation should not impose unreasonable restrictions on the number of slot machines per location, or
place awkward limits on operating hours. Lawmakers should, however, require stringent background checks
on those working the betting halls.
Just as important, lawmakers should stick to the spirit and language of the constitutional amendment
approved last November, which requires taxed proceeds from the Las Vegas-style machines to "supplement"
public education. Legislators who toyed with the idea of using money generated by the slot machines for
Bright Futures scholarships, or even the universal pre-kindergarten program, should drop those notions.
The timing of Tuesday's referendums was ill-advised precisely because it forced the electorate to make
decisions before being provided critical details about how slots would be regulated. The confusion proved
costly to the pro-gambling effort, as demonstrated by the measure's defeat in Miami-Dade County.
No doubt anti-gambling forces are emboldened by the mixed victory this week. It's their right to continue
their campaign against slot machines if they choose.
But lawmakers in Tallahassee, including those who actively campaigned against slot machines, have a
different obligation. They must uphold the will of the voters. The best way for Gov. Jeb Bush and the
Legislature to do so is to pass an appropriate package of regulations this session.
Broward residents, however, must also harbor realistic expectations. For example, they should not be
disappointed if their local school district fails to get a higher share of slot taxes than those in other counties.
With their County Commission having decided to "vote first, write rules later," Broward residents aren't in a
position to micromanage who gets how much.