If Florida lawmakers expand gambling, the Miami Dolphins may try to get the land surrounding Sun Life Stadium considered for a casino license, according to The Associated Press.
Though the NFL doesn't allow connections to gambling, holding companies associated with the Dolphins and team majority owner Stephen Ross own pieces of land by the stadium, the AP reports.
Genting Group, a Malaysia-based company, has recently stirred up the possibility of big time gambling in South Florida.
While there has been a 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.
"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," Fresen said.
A statement released by the Dolphins said that the team won't push for a casino, the AP reports.
"NFL regulations prohibit any direct involvement by the team and/or its owners in the operation of a gaming facility so neither Steve Ross or the Dolphins have any plans to enter the casino business," according to a statement, the AP reports.
Local
"As it pertains to the pending legislation on this matter in Tallahassee, we support all measures that add value and job growth to our local and state economy," the statement said, according to the AP.
"We have engaged our lobbyist, Ron Book, to represent our interest in Tallahassee on this matter to ensure that -- should the legislation be passed and opportunities arise -- Miami Gardens is positioned to compete for casino operators who may have an interest in a North Dade location, an area that is certainly in dire need of pursuing new economic development opportunities," said the statement, reports the AP.
