Florida Retailers Oppose Casino Bill

The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) came out swinging on Monday against a proposal to expand casino gambling in the Sunshine State.

Florida has a healthy and vibrant retail economy that is driven by residents and visitors alike, Rick McAllister, FRF president and CEO, said in a statement released on Monday. We dont believe new resort casinos will help our states retail economy grow. In fact, theres a lot of evidence that suggests the destination resorts that are being proposed will hurt the businesses already here.

McAllister pointed to studies which found that retailers in Atlantic City and Iowa were hurt when new casinos were opened

For Florida retailers, the short-term employment gains of expanding casino gambling would not be worth the long-term damage we might inflict on Floridas family-friendly brand, McAllister continued. The Florida Retail Federation is opposing the casino legislation, and we are encouraging our members to contact their legislators directly with their concerns.