With Casino Expansion Dead in Florida Opponents Turn to Internet Cafes

BRADENTON – A bill that would have meant the largest gambling expansion in Florida history was withdrawn by its legislative sponsor last week, effectively killing the prospect of allowing up to three mega-resort casinos in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area, at least for 2012.

Proponents said the expansion could lead to 100,000 new jobs for the state. When it failed to make it out of the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, its sponsor withdrew the bill. Florida House rules prohibit the chamber from taking further action on a bill that has failed to pass at least one committee, meaning the measure is dead for 2012, barring a special session later.

The Victory Group, an organization supported by the Florida Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in consolidating opposition, arguing that it would hurt tourism by tarnishing the state's family-friendly image. They were joined by Disney-backed No Casinos, who have turned their attention to Internet Cafes.

The group wrote a letter to Florida lawmakers this week urging them to vote to end the “storefront casinos.” A bill to eliminate them is still moving through the House, while the Senate is working to pass a law to regulate them instead. However, a legal opinion written for the Seminole Tribe of Florida opines that regulation would be in violation of the tribe's exclusivity clause and cost the state the cash payments that are part of its compact with the tribe, which is scheduled to give Florida over $230 million this year for its right to operate casino games at its Hard Rock casinos, and slots at all seven of its reservations.