Florida Legislature Ignores Slot Machines Bills - 05-09-08

May 9 - The thoroughbred industry was disappointed this week when the Florida Legislature ended its annual two month session and during the entire period did not deal with two much-awaited slot machine bills.

House Speak Marco Rubio has come out against the expansion of gaming and reiterated this opinion several times during the two-month legislature session. The House did not even place the slots machine bills on its calendar despite the fact that Legislature was actually pressured into cutting the state budget to compensate the revenue shortfalls due to the slowing economy.

The first bill looks to reduce the state tax levied on slot machines from 50% to 35%, on condition that pre-determined revenue amounts were met in the racetracks and jai-alai fontoons located in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Gulfstream Casino, located in Broward County, received permits for Class III slot machines, commonly found in Vegas, in November 2006. Calder Race Course, located in Miami-Dade County, also has permission for Class III slot machines, as well as a casino. The parent company of Calder Race Course said they are planning an extension of the complex, but wish to wait for the state tax rate to be reduced before advancing.

The second bill aims to allow pari-mutuels to have electronic gaming machines in all other Florida counties. The bill explains that these gaming machines are similar to Class II bingo-style slot machines. Another bill that was not passed was one that sought to toughen the rules of operation for Quarter Horse Tracks in Florida. The current law allows Quarter Horse Tracks to be operated in any county that has pari-mutuel wagering, without consideration to its proximity to other pari-mutuel facilities. Such a track can host live races only once a year, but holds a permit for a year-round card room.

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