In next month’s election, voters in St. Lucie County, Florida will weigh in on Referendum Number 8, which would determine if slot machines should be allowed where parimutuel betting is permitted. If the ballot measure passes, Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker, which asked the county commission to place the referendum on the ballot, would move forward on a 0 million building and add 500 jobs.
Currently state law permits slots only in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and on Native American lands. The Florida legislature would have to approve the referendum if it passes. In 2012, voters in Brevard and Palm Beach counties passed similar measures but no slots have been installed in local parimutuel facilities.
Local law enforcement in St. Lucie County has not objected to the slots proposal.
