Revised Mega Casino Bill Tops 2012 Florida Legislative Session

Changes include no new permits, Vegas-style gaming at pari-mutuels

Flashy plans to build mega casinos that would rival those in Las Vegas could go before taxpayers under a revised bill lawmakers will consider in the 2012 Florida legislative session starting Tuesday.

The heart of the bill, sponsored by Fort Lauderdale State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, remains the same. It proposes to open 3 mega high-end casinos in Florida.

But revisions on the bill include banning new permits, allowing current pari-mutuels to operate Vegas-style games like blackjack and craps, and calling some to invest $100 million to improve their facilities.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee will vote on the amended bill Monday, a day before the session officially opens.

The bill could mean big business for counties north of Miami-Dade and Broward, like Palm Beach County, which could compete for the private casinos. Each would have to invest $2 billion to qualify.

Supporters say casinos would attract thousands of high-rollers and tourists and create thousands of opportunities without squashing existing businesses.

"I attend casinos myself and I think they're revenue streams for the state," said tourist Lloyd Henry.

"If you look to Vegas they have all sizes of casinos. There's something to say for the construction that it'll bring, the jobs it'll bring," said local Mark Overton.

Other local residents, like Karen Cantor, are just not willing to place their bets on the new proposal.

"I've been living here in Southwest Broward county for 27 years and I moved here because of the family style atmosphere. Bringing in casino style gambling would deteriorate the atmosphere," said Cantor.
 
 

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