Another bill the House passed Monday would eliminate blackjack at tribal casinos like the Hard Rock, but would increase betting limits in poker across the state (raising the maximum buy-in from $100 to $1,000), allow card rooms to operate 24 hours a day, and decrease taxes pari-mutuels pay on profits from slot machines. It's a big step forward for the traditionally conservative, anti-gambling House.
The Senate went even further. That body's proposed bill would allow complete "Vegas-style" gaming (which include previously banned games like craps and roulette) in tribal casinos, and allow blackjack and Bingo-style slots at tracks in Florida.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, the House plan would generate $373 million for next year's budget and $282 million a year after that. The Senate plan creates a bigger windfall, generating $568 million in the first year. Big numbers when the state has a $6 billion shortfall.
Pompano Park has not received a quarter horse permit, but yesterday Broward county officials approved plans to expand the harness track, owned by Isle of Capri, to include a 500-room hotel and an additional 67,000 square feet of gambling space. Pompano Beach commissioners had already approved the plans.
