PORT ORANGE -- The issue of gambling has recently become a much-discussed issue in our state. While Florida already has dog tracks, card rooms, and slots, the latest craze revolves around the so-called “destination resorts.”
These Vegas-style facilities, such as the proposed $3 billion-plus Genting mega-casino in Miami, have the potential to reshape the face of gambling in our state. New legislation has recently been filed for the 2012 session to allow these facilities to be built in South Florida.
Supporters point to the potential financial benefits that would result from an expansion in legalized gambling. Florida, they say, could stand to make a fortune by taxing these new gambling activities.
Opponents point out the potential social side effects of such a drastic expansion of gambling. Some worry that Florida could lose its family-friendly Disney image.
Others say that legalized gambling would cause increases in crime and other illegal activity.
In a recent citizen survey that I conducted earlier this year, the results were split. About 46% of local residents said they supported the expansion of gambling in Florida, 39% were opposed, and 15% were undecided. Clearly, public opinion is still unsettled on this issue. In our survey, we received a wide range of opinions and viewpoints on the gambling issue.
In a recent citizen survey that I conducted earlier this year, the results were split. About 46% of local residents said they supported the expansion of gambling in Florida, 39% were opposed, and 15% were undecided. Clearly, public opinion is still unsettled on this issue. In our survey, we received a wide range of opinions and viewpoints on the gambling issue.
Here are some comments from local citizens who took the survey, both for and against the expansion of gambling:
“Gambling's corrosive social impact far outweighs any short-term economic benefit. No neighborhood (take Atlantic City, NJ as an example) ever became a nice neighborhood by legalizing gambling.” - Deltona;
“People are going to gamble, so the state may as well benefit from the taxes that it provides. It's not that we don't already have gambling - horse tracks, dog tracks, poker rooms, Indian casinos, lottery, etc.” – New Smyrna Beach;
“Gambling is proven to attract people who tend to engage in illegal activity. It lowers property values and discourages businesses from moving here.” – Port Orange;
“Done right, I think it would be fine. Florida is a fun state and its already done and proven in some areas. Great source of revenue and jobs.” – Port Orange;
“All the money will go to large out-of-state corporations with little job production, limited tourism expansion and a new epidemic of gambling addictions to an already struggling Florida working class.” – New Smyrna Beach;
“I oppose gambling on a moral basis; on the other hand, if someone is foolish enough to put his wealth at risk by gambling, then he should be free to do so, but completely at his own risk.” - Edgewater.
So now you’ve heard some arguments both in favor of and opposing the expansion of gambling, as well as comments from other local citizens debating the issue. Now it’s your turn. What do you think?
State Rep. Dorothy L. Hukill writes this column exclusively for NSBNews.net. She can be reached by email at dorothy@dorothyhukill.com or on her Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/dorothyhukill.
NSBNews.net, also known as VolusiaNews.net, provides Volusia County 24 / 7 Internet newspaper coverage, 100% free with breaking news, news of record and investigative reports from New Smyrna Beach, FL, for a 21st-century digital world.
