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Florida Slot Debate Escalates

MIAMI, Florida – As reported by the Miami Herald Sun: "With a week to go before the March 8 election over slot machines at racetracks, both sides in the debate are trotting out clashing studies to bolster their positions on the impact of gambling on local communities.

"Antigambling forces say they have the studies to show that slot machines and casino-style gambling lead to more violent crimes, more property crimes and more people filing for personal bankruptcy.

"The gaming industry has ammunition of its own: A 1999 congressional report that found no significant increases in crime or bankruptcy caused by casinos. Instead, casino communities witness 'a massive reporting increase' as people become more aware of 'problem gambling,' said Earl Bender, who manages the campaign to bring slots to Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

"The two sides have fought to a virtual stalemate over the research for more than a decade, mostly because there has not been enough information to draw firm conclusions. But as more state governments legalize gambling to close budget shortfalls, the gaming industry is finding it harder to deflect criticism that casinos lead to expensive social problems.

"…But the most compelling argument in favor of legalized gambling, according to supporters, is the tax money that flows from the gaming parlors into public coffers. In Florida, the pro slots campaign has promised $500 million per year for the state's education budget. They say allowing slots will also spark $142.3 million in new construction, $66 million in state sales tax revenues and another $66 milllion in revenue to local governments in sales and property taxes…"

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