Build it, and Vegas will come to South Florida in the form of three destination resort casinos.

With big money rollilng in to nudge politicos and movers and shakers, a legislative bill will emerge from all the hype and hope.

But then what? 

Nova Southeaster law professor Robert M. Jarvis says well before resort casinos come to Florida -- if, in fact, they do -- they will have to go through a rigorous process.

"There is going to have to be a process with an auction process to hand out the licenses, and anybody that is going to get their license will have to be background checked to make sure they  can take their licenses," he said.

But first, the state will have to set up a gaming regulation agency. Every gambling facility in the state except for lottery and Indian gaming facilities will fall under the regulation of a state gaming commission.

Dogs, horses, jai alai, the so-called 'racinos' -- all would be consolidated under the control of one agency, the same for those hoped-for destination resorts with mega-casinos. Strict regulations will govern from owners to staff.

"Background checks are the backbone of the industry," said Jarvis. "In fact, that is where the industry and government are on the same page. They want the background checks to be vigorous as a way to assure the public that the people operating the casinos are operating an honest house."

All that will take time, up to 18 months, before Miamians will see any gambling in the heart of Downtown Miami -- if, that is, the resort bill makes it through the Florida legislature.