Broward County and the Palm Beach County Commission of Florida want to bring local gaming to their bars and pubs. The state already allows permits for other jurisdictions and now Broward and Palm Beach want in the game. The county is making moves to have their share of the gambling pie and are fighting hard for it. They are also fighting Governor Charlie Crist’s proposal involving the Seminole Tribe. It would allow the tribal community to have permit expansions within the state.  Broward County and Palm Beach County both believe that the expansion will greatly threaten their own gaming potential.

Commission Chairman Burt Aaronson presented his belief that posed an egregious disadvantage to the county if they are unable to gain approval for slots. Gaming critics however are arguing that expanding slots will inevitably bring more crime to the area. They also believe that addictions to gambling would grow exponentially.  Though there is no proof of the claim, many anti-gambling protestors are holding that this is the crux of their concerns regarding bringing slots to various communities.

Aaronson on the other hand, is hoping to get approval for slots in his county based on the fact that added slots would bring the need for more jobs. County commissioners see gambling as a way for not only jobs to be created, but to also have an additional revenue-generating possibility. The county, like all others, is suffering as a result of the recession and looking for ways to bring in more money. Currently the Palm Beach Kennel Club has 600 employees and brings in about 750,000 visitors a year. Commissioner Priscilla Taylor sees expansions as the only sure-fire way to bring jobs to the area. If slots are allowed at a proposed casino near Lake Okeechobee, it will provide jobs for Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee where the unemployment rates are hovering at 40%.

Aaronson is suggesting a hefty proposal regarding slots. He is proposing bringing gambling cruises on day-tours where the ships remain anchored at the dock on the coast. The day cruises would be promoted and advertised in local areas and hopefully bring in thousands of customers. Not only would jobs be created, but money would be generated. It is the hope of Broward County and The Palm Beach County Commission that they are not left behind in the fight for slot machine gambling.

Tags: Broward, legal, Palm Beach, slots

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