January 9th, 2011 – by Glen Farmer
Though Governor Rick Scott has only recently taken office in Florida, there is already talk of gambling expansion under his regime. He has recently admitted that he had met with a casino owner in Las Vegas, though he has categorically denied all of the implications of such a meeting.
Scott had originally campaigned against Vegas style casinos in the state of Florida, which have long been a subject of discussion. He has stated that he has not changed his mind. “I have not taken any position than the position I have already said,” began Scott.”I’ve said that right now, I do not want our budget to be tied to gaming, and two, we already have gaming in the state, and I’m fine with what they’re doing, so I’ve not taken any position that I want to expand gaming or make any changes.”
The gambling that already takes place in the state of Florida include pari-mutuel facilities and casinos on Native American reservations. Pari-mutuel facilities include poker rooms and horse races, while the Tribal casinos operate slots, poker, and a limited amount of table games.
Proponents to expanded casino gambling in the state of Florida claim that expanded gambling could once help tourism, especially if strategically placed. “If we put casinos near Orlando,” began analyst Philip Warburton, “Florida could bring in extra tourism dollars by giving adults something to do in addition to the theme parks.”
Florida is currently facing a $3.5 billion dollar budget deficit, which proponents of gambling have been citing as an important reason to expand gambling in the state.
Opponents have been fighting back with claims of increased crime and damages to lower income families.
The issue, regardless of Scott’s stance on gambling, will reach the Florida Senate as soon as next week.