Covert Takeover in Florida

Well it looks like the slots debate is now heated up in the state of Florida, where slot machines and casinos have in effect slowly taken over the state. The latest controversy is over the governor’s latest approval of a slot machine compact with the Seminole tribe, after his entire platform was based on his opposition to gaming expansion, and that is what got him in office in the first place. Since he started, he has signed over 4 different bills that approve more casinos in the state.

The controversy is largely based on the fact that, especially in the current difficult economic climate, the presence of slot machines and casinos often pose a high risk and temptation for citizens. Leading the opposition is House Speaker Marco Rubio, who maintains that it is irresponsible for the government to approve all these new gaming proposals, just because they come in, and will bring in money to the state. He has commented on several occasions that it is unfair to the lower class, underprivileged community (who make up a large part of the regular patrons at casinos) to give them false hope while taking their money.

This type of debate is going on all over the country, and even in cities in Canada and Ireland as well. Once a state approves gaming, it is their responsibility to develop a working infrastructure that will regulate the gaming industry, and still benefit from it, while still keeping their citizens’ best interest in mind. Just because casinos bring in revenue, doesn’t automatically justify the potential dangers that arise because of them. Now that technological advancements have brought the world of online slots, countries must not only grapple with land machines, but also figure out a way to balance those as well.

Back to July 2008 Archive.