Published: March 14, 2008
TALLAHASSEE - Slot machines at the dog track?
Don't bet on it.
The issue, however, at least gained traction with the Senate on Thursday, when lawmakers passed two bills that would expand the state's gambling options.
One bill would open the door for places like St. Petersburg's Derby Lane to have one-armed bandits as part of their gambling attractions. The other calls for those bingo-style slot machines to be taxed at a lower rate than the government currently collects.
Only Broward and Miami-Dade counties allow slots outside of Seminole Indian casinos. The slots are not the kind found in Las Vegas casinos, which pit players against the house, but are styled more like a game of bingo, with players playing against each other.
Last year, the tribe signed a deal with the state to allow Las Vegas slots, which gambling enthusiasts say are more exciting and offer bigger jackpots. The Seminole deal also would bring in card games like blackjack and baccarat.
It's hard for Broward and Miami-Dade counties' parimutuels - places like horse and greyhound tracks and jai alai frontons - to compete with Seminole casinos, said Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hallandale Beach. So he wants to lower the tax burden on those establishments, by having the state collect 35 percent instead of 50.
"They can't operate at a 50 percent tax rate," Geller said.
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