Two Florida counties to vote on slot machines

By The Associated Press
Published: January 30, 2012

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TALLAHASSEE — Two Florida Panhandle counties are voting on whether to permit slot machines as part of Tuesday's presidential primary ballot.

But a legal challenge is expected if voters approve slots in Gadsden and Washington counties.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a legal opinion saying state law permits referendums to authorize slots only in two South Florida counties.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson says he plans to follow Bondi's advice and deny slots licenses.

The slots are being sought by Ebro Greyhound Track in Washington County and Gretna Racing, a quarter-horse barrel racing facility, in Gadsden.

Track owners and their supporters say slots will mean more jobs for the two rural counties, both with high unemployment rates.

Ministers are leading the opposition in both counties.

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