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 Looks like the wings of change are on the way for Florida legislators. Recently a number of staunch anti-gambling conservatives have had an about face when it comes to gambling legislation with some even advocating the building of ocean side casino resorts in the near future.
Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff may be known for past opposition to gambling expansions but she claims that now that gambling is available across the state it is her responsibility to take a "free market" approach to casinos. Right now she is pushing to pass a "Gaming Equalization Act" that would encourage a half-dozen gambling executives to build beach-side hotel casinos in the state.
Big time conservative Rep. Alan Hays is willing to take the idea even a step further. He is encouraging the state to get in on the action directly and create a casino of their own using private operators to run things similar to the relationship of those involved in the state lottery.
This is a big leap from Hays passed stand point when it comes to gambling. He has been known for consistently voting No on any piece of state legislation involving gambling in the past but he is willing to "flip flop" on this issue if it is for the greater good of the Florida people.
"No matter what my personal views are, that doesn't mean gambling is going to go away," Hays said. "With that in mind, I feel it's my obligation to people of Florida to try to get the best deal we can."
He points out that there is plenty of money out there for the taking. For example in Gov. Crist's proposed deal with the Seminoles the tribe would be expected to walk away with an estimated $3.2 billion after taxes for their own use. "That one line right there shows you, there is a ton of money that can go into Floridians' pockets," Hays said.
In any event big casinos won't come easy. In order to approve the plan legislators will need a statewide vote to allow slots outside of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, as well as local referendums to authorize casino construction. Hays estimates that it would take at least two or three years to get full approval for construction of such a site but it looks like they are making some traction.
The Florida gambling industry already has the sixth largest gambling industry in the country by some estimates, taking in about $7 billion a year state wide.
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