Haridopolos wants "open venue" for gaming in Florida

By at 5 March, 2010, 3:43 pm

Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Indiatlantic, is taking the reins on the Seminole gambling issue this session, it appears. In an interview, Haridopolos said he’s hoping the state goes to a more “open venue” for gambling, whether it includes the Seminoles or not. The Senate traditionally is far more gambling-friendly than the House, but Haridopolos is a conservative. “Everything is on the table,” said Haridopolos, who begins his two-year run as Senate president in November. “Even the most conservative people in my district, who are not for gaming, have said, ‘You know what, all of it is going on around us and the state’s not benefiting. This is one way you can reduce my tax burden.’ “We want people from Toledo, Ohio, and Richmond, Va., saying, We’re going to come here to do this and other

things, instead of just using existing Floridians to move around money that could’ve been spent in restaurants or going to a Dolphins game or a Buccaneers game.” How does Florida accomplish that? “My guess is, you make it a true destination resort,” Haridopolos said. “It’s not just gambling, but you’ve got the hotel, you’ve got the spa, you’ve got nice restaurants, and you try to play towards the tourist market, who are going to do additional activities in Broward or Miami or wherever.” On striking an agreement with the Seminole tribe, Haridopolos said legislators are in “preliminary stages” and he wants to figure out how much money is on the table and what the best deal for the state is.

See the original post:
Haridopolos wants "open venue" for gaming in Florida

Categories : Florida | Miami




No comments yet.

Leave a comment