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The Gaming Expansion Debate in Florida

Florida legislators will have the responsibility in the following weeks of deciding how Florida is going to expand casino gaming. Las Vegas Sands officials showed their gambling expansion plans for Florida to state officials on March 3rd, 2010.

Legislators are currently in talks with the Seminole tribe on a gaming compact that would permit the tribe to offer blackjack and other casino table games at their gaming facilities in the state. However, on Wednesday, they take a break from those talks to hear the gambling option that Sands is proposing. Sands said that they are willing to put $3 billion each up for two casino resorts in the state.

One would be constructed in Tampa and the other one would be built in either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Lawmakers like the idea of the number of tourists that the resorts would bring in the state.

Senator Mike Hardipolis said that it should be a true destination resort that will not only offer gambling but other amenities as well like hotels and restaurants. But it does not appear that legislators will go for this type of gambling expansion for now.

Instead, they will continue to try complete a gaming compact with the Seminole tribe. If approved, the gaming compact would give the Seminole tribe the right to offer casino table games at four of their seven gaming facilities in Florida. The agreement would run for 5 years, at which time Florida officials could re-examine whether they want to continue with the deal.

 

Wednesday, March 17 , 2010
Victor Copeland