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Miami-Dade Voters Mull Slot Machines

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By ADRIAN SAINZ, The Associated Press

Published: January 28, 2008

MIAMI - Voters in Florida's largest county will reconsider Tuesday whether they want slot machines installed at three pari-mutuel facilities, with tax dollars from the new gambling attraction bolstering a state education fund.

Miami-Dade County voters rejected slot machines in a 2005 referendum, though voters in neighboring Broward County approved them for its jai-alai fronton and horse and dog racetracks during the same election. Miami-Dade voters will determine whether to add Las Vegas-style slot machines at Miami Jai-Alai, the Flagler Sports and Entertainment Center dog track and Calder Race Course, which features horses. It's a contentious issue that again brings the pros and cons of gambling to the forefront.

Slot machine critics say gambling is a vice that targets the poor, erodes family values and is not the answer for Florida's education needs. Proponents say slots in Florida generate needed money for education and can help bolster a sluggish economy. They point out that slots are already available in Broward and on gambling boats that leave Miami for international waters. Video lottery machines, which are similar to slots, are available at an Indian casino.

Since 2006, slot machines have been operating at the three Broward County "racinos" - Gulfstream Park, Pompano Park Race Track and Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center - generating more than $100 million for the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, said Sam Farkas, spokesman for the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

The state levies a 50 percent tax on Broward slot machine revenues. Miami-Dade's rate would be the same if slots are approved.

Supporters have raised millions in their pro-slot machines campaigns. One political committee, called Yes for a Greater Miami-Dade, had received more than $5.2 million in contributions and spent more than $3.3 million as of Dec. 31, according to Florida Department of State elections reports.

A study by Coral Gables-based Washington Economics Group said more than 6,400 jobs could be created by the slot machines in their first year of operation, according to Yes for a Greater Miami-Dade. The study projects $26 million in tax revenues will go to the county and cities of Miami and Miami Gardens the first year.

Among those who support the slots measure are Flagler Sports and Entertainment Center owner Barbara Havenick, former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek and state Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami. Havenick has said she plans to make improvements to the aging facility if slots are approved.

One constant from the 2005 vote is the involvement of Jeb Bush, who campaigned against the slots measure when he was governor. His efforts back then are widely believed to have helped sway voters against the proposal.

This time around, both Bush and former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham oppose Miami-Dade slots. A group called Truth for Our Community sent out statements from Bush and Graham urging a "no" vote, and both former politicians have or will cut radio commercials to publicize their stance.

"As a lifetime citizen of this community, I am saddened at the continued attempts to define our beautiful community's future as tied to a slot machine. We are better than that," Graham wrote.

Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina, a catalyst behind Truth for Our Community, said slot proponents overestimate how much money will go to education and how many jobs will be created. Robaina also said Miami-Dade will absorb the negatives of gambling while creating revenues from which the 66 other Florida counties will benefit.

"Why are we producing this money that's going to Orlando, that's going to Gainesville, that's going to Orlando and Tallahassee? They're laughing at us," Robaina said.

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