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Grim finances push Florida gambling proposal4 March 2008FLORIDA -- As reported by the Miami Herald: "Grim state finances could create a golden opportunity for pro-gaming lawmakers hoping to gain ground in a state once known as an anti-gambling stronghold. "Florida legislators will head into their 2008 session this week with a shrinking budget and a raft of gambling bills. Up for consideration: expanding slot machines across the state, lowering industry taxes, regulating 'gray market' arcade-style adult games that contribute little in taxes and creating a new Department of Gaming Control to oversee it all. "Gov. Charlie Crist apparently has the fever, too. His budget proposal relies on driving up state lottery ticket sales and using new income from a still-disputed gambling deal he struck with the Seminole Tribe to expand games at its seven Florida casinos. "'The only reason there is any realistic chance of passing these bills is because of the economy. . . . We need the money so desperately,' said Sen. Steve Geller, a Broward County Democrat who for years has led the charge toward more gambling..." |