A just published study in Casino City’s North American Gaming Almanac highlights what casino cruise ship owners already knew – that the Hard Rock Casinos are changing gambling habits in the Sunshine State. Casino cruises are facing mounting bankruptcy problems and many are moving from the waters off Florida as customer numbers fall. Players used to being ferried offshore for gambling cruises are preferring to drive to the Hard Rock casinos in Tampa and Hollywood.

The Florida lottery revenue for 2004 was up by only 2.59% compared to a national average of 6.7% and Florida’s 2003 figure of 8.9%. Sports wagering also declined 7%, the biggest drop in four years. With Broward County pari-mutuels gearing up to install slot machines once the legislature has agreed terms, betting on the lottery and sporting events could take a significant further dive.

If the four Broward pari-mutuels install Class III gaming machines then the popular Seminole casinos and the Miccosukee will be able to negotiate a compact with the state to upgrade their Class II machine operations. The prospective racinos and tribal gaming seem to be the future trendsetters for gambling in Florida. (E-09.01.05)

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