Sun Sentinel – South Florida could join the “major leagues of casino gambling” and see a huge economic boost if the state allows full-scale resort casinos, according to the draft of a long-awaited report on the future of gambling in Florida.
The opening of two major gambling resorts in Broward and Miami-Dade counties could generate about $1 billion in taxable gambling revenue per year and create 7,618 full-time jobs, under one scenario analyzed in a report to the state Legislature by Spectrum Gaming Group.
Building on the existing attractions of beaches, fishing, shopping and sunshine, these resorts would allow the region to draw high-rollers capable of dropping thousands at the tables and then spending thousands more at hotels, restaurants and boutiques.
“The state could immediately become a major international competitor for the ultra-high-end traveler who includes casino gambling as part of his/her entertainment experience,” the report states. “In this regard, Florida could compete with Las Vegas, Macau and other world-class casino markets for the highest-stakes players.”
Spectrum looked at 12 scenarios in its 464-page report, ranging from only slots and pari-mutuels to statewide destination casinos. If a single casino went up in South Florida, for example, either in Broward or Miami-Dade counties, the impact would be reduced, with about 3,000 jobs created in Broward or 4,751 in Miami-Dade.
The study was commissioned by the state Legislature after lawmakers put off highly controversial, heavily lobbied decisions on whether the state should become a world destination for blackjack, baccarat, slots and roulette.
