Slot machines at South Florida's parimutuel outlets could lure as many gamblers as the 35 million
tourists Disney World attracts each year. And, therein, lies Florida's challenge.
On March 8, Miami-Dade and Broward voters will decide whether to legalize Las Vegas-style
gambling in their counties. The measure is a sure bet to pass, since residents of the two counties OK'd
it by a wide margin in a statewide vote last November.
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Proponents — led by horse and dog tracks and jai-alai interests — say the gaming expansion could
generate more than $500 million for education each year. So what's not to like?
For some of Florida's 65 other counties, plenty. A new legislative analysis estimates that gambling in
the two counties will divert tourists and their cash to South Florida from other regions, reduce lottery
revenue by as much as $55 million and lower local sales taxes elsewhere by $8 million.
The siphoning effect caught state officials by surprise, as gambling interests have quickly unfurled
plans for 2,800 slot machines per racetrack and fronton. That would make South Florida's "racinos"
the biggest in the nation.
"We never assumed that you would end up with what they're actually talking about," said Amy Baker,
director of the Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research.
And it may not happen the way gamers want because the Legislature and Gov. Jeb Bush still have the
final say. Noting that the November measure only passed by 1.6 percentage points statewide (voters in
Indian River County rejected it and Martin County approved it by just 658 votes), there's plenty of
skepticism about casinos and their supposed slot jackpots.
Among the governor's concerns is that tribal casinos will be entitled to whatever South Florida racinos
get. This would open the door to a vast expansion of Indian gambling, which he has wisely resisted.
South Florida's casino dreams may be a long way from reality, with a myriad of details to be worked
out. Even proponents doubt a deal will be reached this session.
"I believe the governor will push for very limited hours and very high taxes to prevent the parimutuels
from opening the slots," said state Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, a casino backer.
Track and fronton operators make a strong case that their tax revenues will help the public schools
(always a good selling point with the electorate). They point out that, unlike the lucrative cruise-ship
industry that pays no gaming taxes to the state, they're willing to share (just not too much).
Critics make an equally compelling argument that South Florida racinos are the camel's nose under the
tent. Atlantic City has shown how gambling inflicts a host of social, legal and financial costs on the
surrounding community. Las Vegas has demonstrated that casino expansion cannot be restrained by
jurisdictional boundaries because politicians are easily hooked on the wages of sin.
At minimum, Florida's elected officials need to act in the best interests of all Floridians — not would-be
casino moguls.
If South Florida's "gain" translates into a loss for the other 65 counties, as the state analysis suggests,
those other counties may themselves be tempted to get in on the action. Indeed, who's to say the Fort
Pierce fronton wouldn't make a great casino (especially when St. Lucie County voters passed
November's Amendment 4 by a solid 59-41 percent ratio)?
Once South Florida's racinos are up and running, will anyone be able to say no more? Time to place
your wagers; this high-stakes political poker game is just getting started.