Florida Gambling Bill Passes First of Many Legislative Hurdles

Florida wants to expand its gambling industry and a legislative initiative sponsored by a local senator proposed the construction of three new super casino resorts in two counties in the state.

The initiative stipulated that each of the three new casino operators would need to pay a one-time license fee of $50 million and a fixed annual license fee of $2 million. In addition each operator would commit to spending at least $2 billion on constructing their hotel and casino resort and pay a 10 percent tax on their gross gambling revenue.

The original initiative had to be changed to appease voters and resulted in adding several measures were some say go against the original intention of the initiative which was to expand the Floridian gambling industry but do so in a way that would contain gambling activity to restricted areas in the state.

The new changes include a requirement for a separate vote on each new casino resort that will include a hotel, convention center and retail facilities. This measure alone is enough to cause great delays in implementing the construction of three new super casino resorts.

In addition the amended initiative includes a stipulation that local racecourses and pari-mutuels which are located in the area of the new super casino resort will be allowed to add slot machines and other casino games without the need to expand their license, pay additional fees or have an increased tax duty imposed once they add such games to their establishment.

Many now believe that the amended initiative and feel that an overload of gambling facilities would actually discourage tourists from visiting the state which currently enjoys a family-friendly status with its huge water parks, amusement parks and child-friendly hotel resorts.

The new initiative has passed its first hurdle with the Florida Legislator but faces many future obstacles from concerned residents, local businesses and those who oppose the gambling industry all together for religious or personal reasons.