Late yesterday the top Florida legislators finally agreed to allow the four Broward County pari-mutuels to operate slot machines. During the special session called this week, a compromise was reached in private that will grant permission for each venue to install up to 1,500 Vegas-type slot machines with a guarantee that operations can begin by mid 2006. Until now the House and Senate had been unable to compromise on regulations for the machines after Broward voters approved the measure last March.

The tax rate has been set at a relatively high 50%, which should be going to education throughout Florida, not just Broward County. The predominantly anti-gambling legislature finally agreed after acknowledging that the courts would issue the slot machine regulations if they did not. The Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering, a state body, will have six months to draw up the regulations governing the slot machine operations before emergency rules would be implemented to allow the venues to operate anyway.

The deal has now to be approved by the House and Senate members. News of the compromise has yet to be commented upon by the pari-mutuels concerned. Once approved by the legislative bodies, Pompano Park, Gulfstream Park, Dania Jai-Alai and Hollywood Greyhound Track must each pay a US$3 million licence fee to cover the cost of drawing up the regulations. Also, once approved, the Governor of Florida will have to negotiate compacts with the tribal casinos for their Class II machine upgrade to Class III, as required under federal law. (E-12.08.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage