A public workshop at Hollywood City Hall will this morning continue to discuss the draft regulations for slot machine operations at the four Broward County pari-mutuels. According to an attorney acting for Gulfstream Park, the proposed rules would be bad for business and consumers and would put the pari-mutuels at a massive disadvantage. The restrictions envisaged by the state may mean that the issue will end up in court.

Under the draft regulations the pari-mutuels would have to give up their card room licences, putting them at a disadvantage competing with the tribal casinos. There is also a proposition to not only ban ATMs at slot machine venues but also to prevent all electronic transactions, something that will be contested on security grounds. The authorities believe the ban would guard against money laundering.

If no amendments are made to the draft then slot machine operators will be unable to offer ‘comps’ to players, although the practice is commonplace throughout the United States. According to state officials, comps allow for an evasion of taxes. A formal hearing on the proposed rules is not due for at least a month and until then no formal objections can be filed. An administrative judge will then rule on points of legal disagreement. (E-03.15.06)

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