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Eliott's Insight - Time to Take a Long, Hard Look at Casino Gambling

I'm no high-roller, but I  have to confess I enjoy an occasional trip to Las Vegas. I love the shows, the food, the glitzy hotels, and the blackjack tables. I've even been known to leave Vegas a winner—not a bad way at all to end a vacation!

Yes, Vegas can be lots of fun for a few days.  But would I want to live there? The answer is an emphatic no!

Beacon Council President Frank Nero believes Florida is on the verge of taking a major step toward becoming the next Las Vegas, and he's worried we're taking a step in the wrong direction.  Nero, whose job is to attract economic development to South Florida, has serious concerns about a proposal to bring destination-style mega casinos to the Sunshine State.

"We underestimate the social and economic impact that casinos can have," Nero told me during a taping of News and Views. "Casinos suck the life blood out of the local economy. It's a cannibalization of local businesses."

Nero says the jobs created by mega-casinos are not worth the increased crime, prostitution, gambling addiction, and alcoholism associated with them.  He says the economic benefits of casinos go mostly to the casino owners, and that local businesses see little or no benefit.   He points out that the current bill filed in Tallahassee to bring three destination-style casinos to the state would shift 10 percent of net profits to the state but provide little or no economic revenue to local communities.

"Instead of spending their money on Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive or the Design District, visitors to the area will now spend it on the casinos," Nero says.  "The local communities will have to deal with all the social problems but see none of the tax revenue."

He thinks Floridians need to examine the pros and cons before hopping on the pro-casino bandwagon.

"All I'm saying is if it's a good idea it'll be a good idea after we take time to take a long hard look at it."   

 

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