After a measure that could lead to a constitutional change in gaming laws was approved at the ballot last November, in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, next Tuesday will see the contentious issue being put to the voters in a referendum. Las Vegas style slot machines could soon be seen at racetracks and jai-alai frontons in the two counties, in return for financial revenues for state education.

Many in the Jeb Bush led government of Florida are against the expansion of gaming, but if the electorate vote in favour in the two counties then gaming in Florida will undergo a change that will reach further than Miami-Dade and Broward. Under federal law the seven tribal casinos in Florida would be able to negotiate a deal to operate slot machines, as casinos on Indian reservations must be allowed to use the same games as any other organization in the state. At present the machines at the Seminole casinos are Class II electronic bingo games that do not have the progressive jackpots and attractions of the Las Vegas type Class III machines.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa is already undergoing changes to its gaming base. Its high-stakes bingo parlour, that originally covered 11,000 sq ft with seating for 800 in 1081, was recently closed after reducing to 400 seats in 6,000 sq ft and then 285 seats in 4,500 sq ft. An increase in area for the newly popular poker is one reason, but the economics of slot machines is the driving factor. In the monopoly market at present enjoyed in Tampa the slot machines are the revenue makers at up to $500 a day. Bingo takes around 50% of floor area and probably produces around 1% of revenue.

In last November’s ballot the Seminole tribe reportedly spent over $5.5 million campaigning against the gaming amendment, as it would end its monopoly in the market. In next week’s two-county referenda the tribe is taking a back seat. If the measure is passed then a future upgrade to Class III slot machines is on the cards, but so is future taxation by the state.

Last November the amendment won by a 51% vote to allow slots at existing pari-mutuel facilities. If the March 8 ballot is favourable then education in the state is expected to benefit by some $400 million a year. Lobbies from both sides are still campaigning hard and although some are predicting a win for the pro expansion side, it is far from certain. If they do win then Florida gaming is set to change for good. (E-03.02.05)

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