Fla. county to fight gambling expansion

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 11:25 a.m.

Seminole County, home to two dog tracks and a jai alai fronton, would be significantly affected by further growth in the gambling industry, officials said.

"What's the difference between a video poker or slot machine and a real one," said County Commissioner Grant Maloy. "This to me seems like the next phase in bringing casino gambling in."

The Sentinel reported county officials are not buying arguments by state lawmakers that the video games will pump much-needed money into classroom construction and other education needs.

"This is exactly what the fear was when the lottery idea was first introduced -- that it would spread," said County Commission Chairman Carlton Henley. "It's a sham as far as I'm concerned."

In 1996, Seminole County voters overwhelmingly approved a measure saying they should have the final say on whether casino gambling should be allowed if expanded gambling was ever approved by the state.

archive