Florida state Rep. Ramon Alexander recently filed HB 1111 which would allow Gadsden County to hold a countywide referendum to allow slot machines at Gretna Racing. Last year, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the racetrack, and facilities in seven other counties where voters approved slots, stating, “Nothing in state gambling law grants any authority to regulate slot machine gaming to any county.”
Alexander’s bill would approve the ballot question, “Shall slot machine gaming be authorized at the parimutuel quarter horse racing facility in the City of Gretna?”
Gretna City Manager Antonio Jefferson said allowing slots would provide an economic boost for the area. Gadsden County has a population of r 46,000 and a 20 percent poverty rate. He said, “We just want the citizens’ voices to be heard on this issue. We want our kids to be able to climb the economic ladder right here. Considering the many millions that the tribe promises to invest here, how could that not be a good thing?” The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, managers of Gretna Racing, previously promised to invest in a new facility if slots are allowed, creating 1,000 new jobs.
No Casinos Executive Director Paul Seago commented his group has “major concerns” with Alexander’s legislation. “First, we think it violates the Florida Constitution, which prohibits expansion of casino gambling without a statewide vote. Second, it sets up a violation of the compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe, jeopardizing millions of dollars in revenue. Third, any municipality that thinks casino gambling is a key to economic development need look no further than Atlantic City to see the associated crime and social ills that come with it. For these reasons we will vigorously oppose HB 1111.”
