From Naples News Florida doesn’t need international casino operators building $2 billion waterfront entertainment meccas in Southeast Florida or a Native American group opening venues along the Interstate 10 corridor to be considered a “major gambling state.” With Indian casinos, pari-mutuel facilities, day-cruise and cruise vessels and one of the largest state lotteries, Florida already is one of the nation’s top spots for gamblers. But a 307-page state-commissioned study released this week also showed that while the opportunity to play games of chance has grown, the money spent at casinos and card rooms hasn’t resulted in vast job creation outside…

From Tampa Bay Times If Florida decides to expand casino gambling, the move could harm the state and Orlando’s tourist brand, says a new gaming report commissioned by the Florida Legislature. The report, released late Monday, comes at a time when lawmakers plan to review and rewrite the state’s gambling laws, and decide whether gambling should be expanded statewide. “The brand equity of Orlando has benefits for the entire state” and “expanded gambling may fundamentally change the state of Florida as a place to live and visit,” writes Spectrum Gaming Group, a New Jersey-based gambling consulting firm. “Rather than benefiting…