Lawmakers in the state of Florida spent the first month of 2010 turning away a gambling compact with the Seminole Indian tribe. The second month of the new year will be spent by these lawmakers examining the possibility of full-scale casino resorts in the state.

There is little doubt in the minds of analysts that the state of Florida will be one of the many states that will expand their gambling options in the near future. The extent of that expansion, however, is something that lawmakers will debate in February.

Some legislators in the state have teamed with Las Vegas Sands owner Sheldon Adelson in pushing for casino resorts. The economic ramifications of such expansion could prove to be in the billions for the state.

“We are prepared to participate in large scale development, from restaurants to hotels to major resorts,” wrote Ron Reese, Vice President of Communications for Sands, “especially near major international airports where tourism could also increase.”

The estimates of the revenue that could be generated is in the billions because the resorts would also come along with convention centers that would attract big events to the Sunshine State. The additions of these resorts and world class restaurants are something lawmakers are taking extremely serious.

“Florida would instantly become the gambling center for the East Coast of the United States should they decide to legalize casino resorts,” said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz, “They already have the sun and the beach, but casino resorts would put the state over the top as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.”

There is some opposition in the legislature, but that comes before the talks have even arrived at a serious point. Those talks will happen this month with meetings already scheduled to discuss the way to proceed with gambling expansion.

This article appears as it was reported on Casino Gambling Web

Posted February 2nd, 2010 under Gaming News. Tags: florida gambling
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