Update:

Looks like this one is dead...

The Basics

Sponsored by Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff (R- Ft. Lauderdale) and Rep. Erik Fresen (R- Miami), HB 487 and SB 710 is intended to create a "strategic direction" for the state of Florida on gaming, thus eliminating predatory gaming (prohibiting internet cafes, creating a gaming commission to regulate the industry) and encouraging gaming that supports broader economic development. The legislation limits these destination resort casinos numerically (with three being currently planned) and also geographically - they can only operate in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Co-sponsors of the legislation on what it is and isn't

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Arguments for the legislation

According to Associated Industries of Florida, this legislation will bring:

• A minimum $6 billion capital investment ($2 billion each)
• Job creation
  • Approximately 50,000 construction jobs
  • 40,000 to 50,000 permanent direct jobs
  • 80,000 to 100,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs
• Millions more in hotel industry revenues
• Significant increase in sales for taxi services, retail businesses, restaurants, night clubs and others
• A minimum of $100 million in new property taxes, which can be bonded for infrastructure
• Millions of annual visitors from outside Florida who will add billions in new revenue to our state’s economy

Find a discussion of the official financial assessments of the bills here.

Arguments against the legislation

“I think this legislation is a major change in the culture and brand of the state of Florida. And frankly I think it expands gambling to the point where I am concerned about it as we look at the state of Florida and look at one of the three stools that this state is built on – growth, agriculture and tourism – this will impact, in my opinion at least one of those major areas." -- Senator John Thrasher, (R-St. Augustine) in The Current.