Watch CBS News

Florida Senate Holding Hearings On Gambling's Future

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - State senators are set to hold the first of four public hearings about gambling's future in Florida. The first hearing will come at the north campus of Broward College on Wednesday.

Roughly 60 people have signed up to testify during the meeting at Broward College. The Senate Gaming Committee will also hold hearings in Lakeland, Jacksonville, and Pensacola.

The Republican-controlled Legislature in early 2012 shot down a bill to allow major casinos in South Florida. But now lawmakers are considering changing the state's gambling laws.

If major casinos were allowed in South Florida, a plan similar to the one the Genting Corporation had for the old Miami Herald building could move forward.

Among those scheduled to testify include a lawyer who has represented adult arcades that were shut down as a result of a recently-enacted ban on Internet cafes. Others have asked to speak on compulsive gambling and the economic impact of casinos.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.