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Miami-Dade Voters Hit Jackpot On Slots

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By ADRIAN SAINZ, The Associated Press

Published: January 30, 2008

MIAMI - Slot machine supporters hit the jackpot Tuesday as Miami-Dade County voters approved the installation of the devices at three parimutuel facilities, with tax dollars from gambling funneled into a state education fund.

With 85 percent of the expected vote counted, 63 percent of county voters had approved the slot machine measure, while 37 percent were against it.

County voters shot down a referendum for Las Vegas-style slot machines in 2005, so Tuesday was their second chance to weigh the pros and cons of introducing the devices at Miami Jai-Alai, the Flagler Sports and Entertainment Center dog track and Calder Race Course, which features horses.

Izzy Havenick, a slots supporter whose family owns the Flagler facility, said bringing expanded gambling to the area was a dream of his father.

"This must be what it feels like to win the Super Bowl," said Havenick, 30. "My father died with this dream, and we're just happy we can make it possible tonight."

Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina, a leader of the anti-slots group Truth for Our Community, congratulated the winners and said he respected the will of the voters.

"I still feel strongly about our position that this was not a good economic deal for this county and this city, but only the future will tell us that," Robaina said.

Broward County approved slots in 2005 for its jai-alai fronton and horse and dog racetracks. Since their installation in 2006, slot machines at Gulfstream Park, Pompano Park Race Track and Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center have generated more than $100 million for the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, records show.

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