by Lone Shark
There are few issues that so perfectly divide the general public and countless constituency groups along atypical political fault lines more so than does the issue of gaming and gambling. The disparate groups opposed to a gaming expansion have different reasons for doing so- some groups base their opposition on moral grounds, other groups simply don’t want their existing revenue streams challenged or want to maintain their virtual monopoly on a particular type of gaming.
Among those groups that are opposed to expansion of gambling, you have the faith-based groups led by John Stemberger, including the Florida Catholic Conference, Florida Baptist Convention, Florida Family Policy Council and Florida Casino Watch. On the business end of the opposition to expanded gaming, you have the the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Disney Corporation, and the sovereign Indian tribes, the Seminoles and Miccosukee who are also opposed to expanded gaming in Florida for the obvious reason that any new “destination casino” that would feature luxury hotels, retail stores, nightlife, restaurants, and casino gambling would cut right into their bottom lines. The Seminole Tribe is also claiming that any expansion of gambling in the state violates the terms of their revenue-sharing compact.
Last week, famed resort & casino developer Steve Wynn inserted himself into the gambling debate with some pretty unequivocal praise for a future destination resort & casino in South Florida:
“I think that Miami Beach is the greatest site for a destination resort in the United States.” – Steve Wynn
With billions of dollars in play for resort-casino investment, tens of thousands of jobs and tens of millions of dollars in additional tax revenue just waiting to be realized, it’s hard to say that a limited expansion of gambling in Florida done with proper oversight wouldn’t be a productive step forward for Florida’s economy. Thus far, Governor Rick Scott has remained neutral on the matter and has chosen his statements on the issue carefully, choosing not to offend anyone on either side of the issue. He’s indicated that he does not want Florida’s economy to over-rely on gambling as a source of revenue and stated that he is sensitive to the concerns raised by those who believe that gambling has harmful societal consequences while maintaining his openness to the possibility of expanded resort-casino development.
A gaming & casino bill is set to be introduced when the next legislative session begins in January, the bill is sponsored by Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale and Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, but the same measure is also opposed by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, and Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview. There exists a clear divide within the Republican legislative caucus, and it could mean that obtaining the support of Democrats in the legislature may be crucial for advocates on either side of the issue. While it’s assumed that the gaming industry and its lobbyists will put a full-court press on all state legislators, this battle figures to be a very complicated fight that could very well lead to legislative deadlock or even outright defeat for the pro-gaming side.
Former Governor Jeb Bush was opposed to a gaming expansion in Florida throughout his two terms, but he senses that the political winds for gambling may be changing even as a geographical divide exists:
“The north will let the heathens in the south have the casinos, and they’ll take the benefits.” Former Governor Jeb Bush
You have to appreciate Jeb’s humor in this instance- Lord knows that it’s only the heathens in the southern part of the state who frequent popular casino resorts like the Seminole Hard Rock Casino- the good folks up north and along the panhandle, people we know and respect very much- would never in a million years consider stepping foot inside the numerous gaming resort casinos located in Mississippi or Louisiana. 
For better or worse, Florida is already a gaming state- virtually any kind of gambling or gaming can be found within the state or along its shores, whether it’s under the auspices of the state government (lotteries) the Indian Tribes (existing resort casinos) or private companies that own and operate slot machines and casino cruises. Why wouldn’t some additional, but limited competition that pressures the Indian Tribes to run more efficient and safer operations- with perhaps some looser slots- be beneficial Florida’s economy?
The Malaysia-based Genting Group’s proposal to build “Resorts World Miami” for an estimated $3 billion dollars is a lot of development to leave on the table- it will be interesting to say the least to see how this issue plays out in the coming weeks and months.
8 Responses to “Do Proposed Resort-Casinos Have a Chance in Florida?”
Seminoles have a monopoly now – thus the reason for their bad odds and expensive casinos/hotels. A little competition would be perfect. I always said that a casinos in Orlando would be perfect – little ones play during the day and adults play at night. Sure would induce vacationing traffic flow and the Seminoles would have to compete for the business
Why is it when things get bad economically the legislatuors always want to introduce gambling? Because they know the down and out will risk their last dollar on a “come” card or that last hope to drag them out of dispair when they are trying to feed their families. Resort? What a joke – someone has their fingers in a mutual pot for the people pushing this bill to make money.
Is this the very same Erik Fresen who sits on almost every education committee in Tallahassee and votes for Charter school legislation when his sis is co-owner in his district of a Charter School Consortium. Resen’s response “I am voting for all Charter schools”. No Mr. Legislator, if you had any morals you would recuse yourself from every vote presented regarding Charter schools. Where are your values?
Does everyone forget that Senator Thrasher tried to attach a gambling bill on last years Education legislation and got so much flack he had to pull it back or the FL House was not going to vote for the Education bill?
Can no one be straight forward and state what is really happening here as well as in Washington? We are so top loaded with Representatives who graduate from law school, barely work at an every day job and then run for office for their real career. Maybe we need legislation to change the requirements for running for office and shorter term limits here. Oh that’s right, term our in the House, run for the Senate, term out in the Senate, run for Congress.
This bill smells deep and someone needs to do some heavy digging in this. Just who is the Malaysia-based Genting Group’s? Miami has this sudden surge in development for high price businesses and a base for gambling and at the same time allowing DERM and the EPA to “land grab” honest citizens property suddenly claiming it is “wetlands”! Dirt, Dirt, Dirt in Miami and Tally!
Open the entire state for gambling. Florida will never have a limited revenue income again. That will reduce taxes and benefit residents & business. We already have the required basics, beautiful climate, ocean/gulf,tourist traps, FAB food, fishing, cultural diversity and tons more. Gambling is the frosting on the cake. Look at how well Las Vegas gambling is doing, and that’s all that state has to offer. I know I’ve driven through the state many times. Let’s do this before Cuba does. (mark my words on that one!) So say you?
I have been a Conservative Republican most of my adult life and have subscribed to the Republican principles of less government and more personal responsibility. I guess these words that were spouted by Jeb when he was governor were for the masses not for the elite. What say you, Mr. Republican ex-governor, about keeping government out of my personal decisions on whether to gamble or not.
Quit sticking your heads in the sand. We already have gaming in Florida. This will just enhance it and provide thousands of needed jobs in the area. If Central and North Florida dont want it, so be it. But dont prevent the majority of South Florida who do want it. to participate, especially in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County. And if you live in these areas and do not want to go, Don’t. Stay home. Go to a movie. No one is going to make you go. Live and let live.
This issue is about quality of life.
Jeb When Gov. did everything he could to keep gambling/casinos out of Florida. That and vouchers I always agreed with him on. Florida has spent 60-70 years promoting Florida as a place for families to come for vacations. If you really can’t live without casinos hop over to the islands. Have at it there.
There is a lot of discussion on these pages regarding the “influence” peddled up in Tally and the buying of our political servants and their votes. As unseemly and potentially corrupt as things are now, gambling will make these days seem like the golden age. We all know who is/or eventually end up behind any gambling anywhere, legal or illegal. Yes, those who are just a bit more organized than the Government wishes them to be.
I happen to like Florida. I liked it a whole lot more 30 years ago, but it is still a decent place to live and raise kids. Gambling is not the solution, and expanding and enriching the mob is not in any way beneficial to anyone who cares about Florida and the quality of life here.
Let the majority rule on this topic. As it should be!!! Belay the fear mongers, they will ALWAYS be there.Our world is constantly evolving, if a person does not change with it, they are moving backward. No change sounds much like a “political statement” (no commitment, no change, no responsibility).
I have an easy solution to the Gambling debate.
Those who are against Gambling should just mind their own business. Nobody is forcing them to gamble and the last time I checked America still stood for freedom.
So if you rather give your money to the Church or that Rat in Orlando…Good for you. Just stop telling me what I can do.
There…..Problem solved.