Get ready. The sound of dice being thrown, roulette wheels being spun, and crowds cheering for the lure of easy money appears to be headed to South Florida.
What has been a pipe dream for so many for so long appears to be on the verge of being realized. Legalized gambling may be coming to Miami sooner than you think.
While South Florida has had gambling at the local Indian Reservation for years now, a strong push is being made to bring Las Vegas style gambling to downtown Miami.
Appellate Court Ruling is a Victory for the Hialeah Racetrack
A Tallahassee appellate court cleared the way for legislators to expand gambling in South Florida without a referendum vote. The ruling was a victory for the Hialeah Racetrack and serves as a promising omen for the push by the world's largest gaming companies to bring resort casinos to Florida.
The reason being is that this case concluded that Florida legislators can authorize slot machines anywhere in the State of Florida.
The immediate impact of this ruling is that the Hialeah Racetrack is now eligible to place slot machines on its facility. The reason being is because at issue in that case was whether or not the Hialeah Racetrack could put slot machines on its facility. The appellate court affirmed the lower court's ruling in concluding that the Hialeah Racetrack was free to add the slots.
Looking at the decision more broadly, this ruling will usher in a new era for equal access to gambling in Florida, especially in South Florida, by adding to an existing mix that includes horse and dog racing, jai alai and Seminole Indian casinos.
The era of the Resort Casino may be upon us
Florida legislators, led by Rep. Erik Fresen, are pushing a proposed plan to build three resort casinos in Miami Dade and Broward Counties without first having to seek voter approval. And such a plan is bolstered by the appellate court's ruling permitting slot machines to be added to the Hialeah Race track.
The plan would invite companies to submit bids for three casino licenses to a newly-created Florida Gaming Commission. Each of the bidders would be required to show that they will invest a minimum of $2 billion in capital in each facility.
Impact on South Florida
It is all but certain that gambling is coming to South Florida at some point in the near future. There is also no question that gambling will pump billions of dollars into the economy and help revitalize Miami-Dade county.
Gambling also has the potential of catapulting South Florida's status among international tourists and make South Florida one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and that is above and beyond its current popularity.
But gambling will not be without its negatives. With the influx of more people and money into South Florida will no doubt come more crime. These "resort casinos" will need to be equipped to handle the large influx of potential travelers. And that is not just from a gambling perspective, but from a safety and risk management perspective. The best way to curtail violent crimes is prepare for them and properly staff the properties.
Consider Your Options. Contact Us Today.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured while staying at a hotel, resort, in a amusement park, car accident, or assaulted, while at a hotel, restaurant or bar, please contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Call us today toll free at 1-866-518-2913 or 305-263-7700.
