Folks in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been deluged in recent weeks with slick brochures touting
the wonders of slot machines. Better schools and jobs is the rallying cry.
Among those who already have jobs at the state's dog and horse tracks and jai-alai frontons are dozens of
felons whose convictions include manslaughter, racketeering, battery, strong-arm robbery, cocaine
trafficking, lewd assault on a minor and illegal gambling.
Under Florida law, felons are not permitted to work at gambling facilities but can apply for a waiver from the
state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
A review of state records going back to 2000 suggests it is not very hard to gain such a waiver. Last year, for
instance, 19 waivers were granted and only four were formally denied. Those receiving waivers last year
included individuals convicted of aggravated child abuse, drug trafficking, stalking, credit card fraud, carrying
a concealed weapon and embezzlement.
Just last month, a security guard at a local parimutuel was granted a waiver even though he had been
convicted in 1998 of battery on a law enforcement officer and violating his probation.
''It has become standard procedure for the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to license convicted felons,''
said Carey Theil, one of the opponents of the slot referendum and president of GREY2K, an organization that
believes dog racing is inherently cruel to greyhounds.
''The fact that dozens of convicted felons are already working at the racetracks should raise serious
questions,'' he said. ''Is this the type of industry voters can trust with casino gambling?''
The decision on waivers is made solely by David Roberts, the director of parimutuel wagering in Tallahassee.
''Each waiver application is thoroughly investigated and he makes his decision on a case-by-case basis,'' said
Meg Shannon, spokeswoman for the department. ''This is not something that Dave takes lightly. He tries to
keep individuals out who he thinks are a threat and grants waivers to those who he believes deserve a second
chance.''
Roberts acknowledges it is a subjective process, but he takes many factors into consideration, including how
long ago the felony was committed, the person's demeanor and any letters of recommendation they might
have. ''I think the system works pretty well right now,'' he said.
And even though he may grant waivers to a majority of the felons who apply, Roberts said it still represents a
small fraction of the 18,000 licensed employees working at parimutuel facilities across the state.
Roberts said it remains to be seen what the Legislature will require regarding slot machines in Dade and
Broward counties if the referendum passes.
''The industry supports a strong regulatory scheme that assures the public there is integrity in the process,''
Book affirmed. ''We support a strong law. If that means tightening the current regulations and if that means
some people might not be able to get a job in this industry, so be it.''
Book said the public should also keep in mind that neither the Indian casinos nor the gambling cruises require
state licensing. The public has no way of knowing who works for them or what their criminal background
might be.
Theil said his concern was with the facilities under state control.
''You have people working now who were convicted of organized crime offenses. You have one person who
was convicted in New Jersey [in 1996] of using a cheating device and he was given a license,'' he said. ''I
think that is shocking.''
The person convicted of using a cheating device lied about it on his application. Nevertheless, he was granted
a waiver and now tends horses at Calder Race Track.