Florida counties split on slots

Tim Reynolds

Wednesday, March 9, 2005 | 9:25 a.m.

MIAMI -- Plans to permit Las Vegas-style slot machines at four pari-mutuel facilities were approved Tuesday by voters in Broward County, but a similar proposal was defeated in Miami-Dade County.

With all 810 Broward precincts reporting, there were 105,939 votes, or 57 percent, in support of the plan, compared with 79,875 votes, or 43 percent, against.

Yet in Miami-Dade, with all 749 precincts counted, 79,884 votes, or 52 percent, were against the measure, compared with 73,327 votes, or 47 percent, supporting the plan.

The measure must be certified by state election officials. It then goes to the state Legislature, which will decide how to regulate the slot machines that were cleared for Gulfstream Park, Pompano Park, Dania Jai-Alai and Hollywood Greyhound Track.

Facilities seeking slots in Miami-Dade were Flagler Greyhound Track, Calder Race Course and Miami Jai-Alai.

Supporters said the plan could create thousands of jobs and pump millions of dollars annually into schools statewide.

"We're gratified to see that the voters have spoken in the way that we thought they would," said Gulfstream Park president Scott Savin.

While it wasn't surprising that the vote was closer in Miami-Dade -- considering the support in a November statewide referendum to put this measure before voters -- the defeat was somewhat unexpected.

"What's important now is to implement it in the best fashion possible," said Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, who lobbied in support of the plan. "Once the voters of Miami-Dade see that it's functioning in a responsible way, it can go back on the ballot in two years and hopefully pass."

In the November election, more than two-thirds of Broward voters supported the constitutional amendment that allowed voters to consider legalizing slots in South Florida, while about four in seven Miami-Dade voters consented to the plan.

Now state lawmakers must decide what type of slots are coming to Broward, plus how they'll be taxed and how they'll be managed by the facilities.

"November was the first hurdle, this was the second hurdle and Tallahassee may prove to be the biggest hurdle of all," Savin said.

Gov. Jeb Bush, a staunch opponent of expanding gambling, campaigned against the plan during a South Florida swing last week, and both sides said his presence alone helped sway many voters.

"There's no doubt that he changed the minds of a lot of people," said former state education commissioner -- and Bush appointee -- Jim Horne, who supports the slots plan. "He's clearly proven that he's an 800-pound gorilla with some mojo. He can come in and, in short order, affect the outcome."

Voting was smooth, with all precincts opening and closing on time, according to the county election offices. About one in six registered voters cast ballots.

Those against the measure hoped that a late push would be enough to make their case, but were thrilled with the apparent defeat in Miami-Dade.

"It was a split, and I think what is certainly clear is that there is no great mandate for expanded gambling in South Florida," said Roy Teicher, a spokesman for the anti-slots campaign. "It's really vital that attention be paid to this and that people are vigilant in following up on this. And now the battle goes to the Legislature."

Supporters insist that the installation of slot machines will create as many as 9,000 jobs in Broward, which they said would pay an average of $39,000 including both salary and all benefits, plus prop up the struggling racing industry.

Detractors contend that slot machines won't necessarily help schools, and insist that additional gaming in the region will spur more crime and other social ills, plus hurt Florida's standing as a family friendly vacation destination.

"It wasn't a surprise. I may be disappointed in the outcome, but I am happy with the numbers," said Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs. "We faced an armored assault with a pea-shooter, we only had six weeks to put together any defense in their campaign of innuendoes, and I'm very proud of what we did."

David Daniels, 46, said he voted against the measure because he didn't believe the money generated by slot machines would do enough for schools.

"You know what? I'm tired of the illusion," said Daniels, an air conditioning contractor who voted in Coconut Creek. "All they are selling is an illusion. Only 1 to 5 percent will go to the schools. Does anybody ask where the rest will go?"

Another Broward resident, Jamie Oristano, 35, voted in favor of the measure, saying he thinks it will lead to growth around the region.

"Hopefully it will bring more events, bigger facilities," said Oristano, an event planner. "This will supply more jobs to the industry as well as more funding for schools. And I'm also a gambler. I like gambling."

Other opponents include the Christian Coalition of South Florida and several animal-rights groups that are opposed to helping horse and especially dog tracks.

Key supporters often spoke of how money being spent at existing gaming facilities operated by the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian tribes is unregulated and untaxed, and that slot machines will allow South Florida's communities and schools to tap into those gambling dollars.

"The big winner is the Indian gaming monopolies that have been preserved in Miami-Dade County," Rivera said. "In Broward County, you're going to have competition now."