It has flash and excitement, and the whole town is talking about it. Genting Miami destination resort has stirred up the possibility of big time gambling in South Florida.
A bill pending in the legislature would allow three major resort/gaming operations into the area, but thereās major work to do before South Florida turns into a mini Las Vegas.
Despite the spread of gambling in Florida, the state has never had a gaming commission or gaming policy. That could change, according to Erik Fresen, a Republican state representative from Miami, who is co-sponsor of the bill.
"The bill that I am filing, I have the specific intent and purpose of completely reforming gaming in the state of Florida and that includes as a key element the gaming commission,ā Fresen said.
In the bill, the commission will have seven members a pool of names nominated by the Florida House and Senate. They will be appointed and selected by the governor.
Controlling the investigation, licensing, regulation and granting of gaming licenses will create one of the most powerful state agencies Florida government has ever seen.
The commission will set Florida gaming policy, serve along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as the investigating agency and grant gaming licenses.
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If approved, the powerful commission would have no say over the stateās Native American-owned casinos, but every other casino.
"At a minimum, three names for everyone of the seven positions for the gaming commission and the governor would have 30 days to act on the recommendations,." Fresen said.
