This week has proven to be a busy one when it comes to the topic of expanded gaming in the State of Florida. A little more information has been coming out regarding the implementation of pari-mutuel barrel racing in Gretna; and Genting Americas President Colin Au discussed what he referred to as 'positive' aspects of the possibility of major resort casinos coming to Southern Florida
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In regard to the pari-mutuel barrel racing in Gretna, a report on thehorse.com explains that the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has stated that it is currently attempting to clarify information relating to the type of wagering that will be taking place on the barrel racing.
The report goes on to explain that the website for the facility, Creek Entertainment, states that it intends to have head-to-head races, but it does not include any specifics about what types of wagers will be offered and what takeout rate will be applied.
In regard to Au's address to the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Wednesday, November 16, WTSP.com 10 News has reported that Au said three resort casinos could create 100,000 permanent jobs, 50,000 construction jobs, pump $10 billion into the economy, and attract up to six million new tourists to the area if legislation is approved to see the massive gaming expansion head forward.
Au also addressed questions regarding whether the introduction of the massive resort casinos would figuratively slaughter the existing gaming facilities close to it, including horse racing venues.
"It (the proposed expansion) spreads the cake all over the place and the people who come there spill out into the economy, creating huge economic development for the people. That's how we see it," Au said. "It does not take people's lunch. It creates lunch, dinner, plus breakfast for everybody. We're going to create four to five million new tourist arrivals. The three destination resorts can only house a million of them so there would be spillover to the community. Four to five million people can't eat in our 50 restaurants. They have to eat outside of it."
An article by palmbeachpost.com has quoted Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. Chief Administrative Officer Donn Mitchell as painting a different picture of a geographic gaming scenario with the introduction of three additional, massive facilities.
"We love the idea of bringing in a lot of new money and visitors (to the area), but the reality is there's going to be significant cannibalization of existing facilities," Mitchell was quoted as saying. "South Florida is going to be sandwiched between massive casinos and existing tribal casinos at a tremendous disadvantage."
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