Dennis Jones, who heads a committee with initial jurisdiction over gaming issues, gives the bill “a 50-50 chance of passing at best” during the legislature’s 2012 regular session that will run from Jan. In addition, opposition is expected from many House and Senate members who are opposed to any expansion of gaming. Each facility owner would be required to invest at least $2 billion to build a hotel/convention property that could have a casino in up to 10% of its space.Īnother controversial issue is that the bill would limit the new resorts to just one area of Florida.

Pari-mutuel facilities in other Florida counties, including Tampa Bay Downs, cannot have Las Vegas-style slots or video lottery terminals.Īpplicants for destination resort licenses would be required to submit application fees of $50 million by late next year to a new state gaming commission that would select winning bids based on factors that include proven ability to attract tourists.

The tax rate is 35% on those machines at Calder, Gulfstream, and the three other pari-mutuel facilities that have casinos in Miami-Dade or Broward counties. The bill would set a 10% tax rate on revenue from Las Vegas-style slot machines at destination resorts.

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