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In the near future Florida residents could see Las Vegas style casinos and resorts added to their state. Senator Dennis Jones R-Seminole is currently writing a bill that could bring this type of entertainment to the state. Jones has stated he is going to be introducing legislation that would see as many as five casino style resorts built in different areas of the state. The casinos would have to be seventy five miles apart according to the bill specifics.
Currently the only Vegas style casinos in Florida are run by the Seminole Tribe. Talk has started about creating more casinos in the hopes of helping the state budget which currently sits at a $3.5 billion deficit.
This past week the state senate committee had a meeting where they heard many reports about other states that have added casinos that offer such table games as craps, roulette and poker. These casinos have brought millions to their states and if allowed in Florida, they could see the same numbers in revenues.
The Florida House have not spoken on this matter and other officials say it is too early and the House has no position on the subject. Jones has commented that if he does not see a companion bill come from the House then he will not proceed with his bill.
Mike Haridopolos is the Senate President and he has stated that the expansion of casino gaming has about a fifty/fifty shot of getting through the senate. Haridopolos commented that Florida is a 'big-time gambling state' and they need to figure out how to maximize revenue because people are going to gamble. If the bill is passed it may just be the answer the state is looking for.
2011-01-21
