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Florida Slot Proposal Deadlocked

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – As reported by the Associated Press: "Florida voters Tuesday overwhelmingly approved boosting the state minimum wage by $1 but a proposal that would open the door to slot machines at South Florida tracks could be headed to a recount.

"…With 98 percent of the precincts reporting, the gambling measure, Amendment 4, was losing by fewer than 7,000 votes. Opponents had 3,421,623 votes, or 50 percent, and supporters had 3,415,096 votes, or 50 percent. If the margin of victory is one-half of 1 percent or less, local elections officials automatically must order a machine recount.

"The measure would allow residents in Broward and Miami-Dade counties to decide in a subsequent election whether to permit slot machines at seven horse and dog tracks and jai alai frontons.

"…State Rep. Randy Johnson, a leader of No Casinos, said he expected the measure to be defeated when all the votes are counted: 'We believe we're going to wake up in the morning and find out the people of Florida have rejected this idea for the fourth time.'

"…Amendment 4 was the latest casino proposal to be considered by Florida voters, who have rejected three others since 1978. Backers agreed to share revenue from South Florida slots with schools statewide, projecting at least $438 million in the first year…"

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