Gaming Today – The battle to determine Florida’s future in the gaming industry is reaching high gear with major efforts being launched by both sides of the issue.
Last week, the advocates of increased activity in Florida put forth major marketing efforts under the title of “Best for Florida,” by the proponents of expanding gambling, and “Pushing Luck” by the opponents.
Supporters are attempting to educate Floridians on the “tremendous benefits” that can accrue from the building of casinos in the state.
“Florida has an historic opportunity to create jobs and locate a huge magnet for convention and trade shows in our state,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida. “The integrated resort model is proven to spur economic activity and create jobs by increasing tourism and convention and exhibition business visitors. With convention cancellations due to lack of adequate venues, this is exactly the kind of resource needed in South Florida,” Feeney said.
This was just one side of the business community on the issue.
Other business organizations have joined the opposition.
These include the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Attractions Association, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Florida Retail Federation.
“Pushing Luck” is a documentary on Atlantic City’s decision to allow casino gambling in the 1970’s and the negative impacts it had on the area.
It’s not that Florida lacks casino gambling. There are more than a half-dozen tribal casinos operating, mostly in South Florida, and there also are racetracks that offer slot machine gambling.
So far, proponents have been unsuccessful in getting needed legislation to open up gambling, despite efforts by such prominent industry participants as Wynn Resorts Ltd. and Malaysia’s Genting.
