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Millions Spent Florida Slot Proposal Battle

FLORIDA – As reported by the Associated Press: "The Seminole Tribe, which boasts of clearing the path for gambling on reservations 25 years ago, spent more than $5 million trying to defeat a proposal that could bring slot machines to South Florida racetracks and jai alai frontons.

"The day-cruise industry, another gambling interest opposed to the ballot measure, kicked in nearly $1 million against Amendment 4.

"But South Florida's tracks and jai alai frontons spent nearly $15 million to get the proposal on the ballot and convince voters statewide that slot machines are a good way to raise money for schools. More than $3 million came from the Isle of Capri Casino in Biloxi, Miss.

"…Under the measure, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, with another vote, can permit seven racetracks and jai alai frontons in South Florida to set up slot machines.

"…In the two weeks before Election Day, the Seminole Tribe gave $5.6 million to the No on Amendment 4 Committee, which bought television ads warning that slot machines would erode Florida's reputation as a family-friendly vacation spot and increase drug use and crime.

"The tribe runs six casinos with poker tables, video-gaming machines and high-stakes bingo. The casinos do not offer blackjack or table games such as craps or roulette, which are illegal under state law…"

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