Gadsden, Washington Support Slots; Court Battle Awaits

Voters in two Panhandle counties said, with their votes, they are convinced that slot machines will bring jobs and economic development.

More than 60 percent of Gadsden County voters on Tuesday were in favor of allowing Vegas-style machines at Gretna Racing and Poker, while more than 54 percent of voters in Washington County backed the same gambling option at Ebro Greyhound Park.

However, the results are bound to end up in court.

The counties proceeded with the referendums based upon an interpretation of a 2009 state law that was designed to expand slots in Hialeah.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi -- responding to a question from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson -- released an opinion on Jan. 12 that the department may not issue licenses for slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

The statute in question is the third clause of state statute 551.102(4):

'Eligible facility' means any licensed pari-mutuel facility in any other county in which a majority of voters have approved slot machines at such facilities in a countywide referendum held pursuant to a statutory or constitutional authorization after the effective date of this section in the respective county, provided such facility has conducted a full schedule of live racing for two consecutive calendar years immediately preceding its application for a slot machine license, pays the required licensed fee, and meets the other requirements of this chapter."

Gaming proponents have claimed the provision allows referendums to be held on slot machines for pari-mutuel facilities in any county that holds a minimum number of events over a two-year period.

Lawson has said his department intends to follow the opinion.

Attorneys for Gretna and the Palm Beach Kennel Club -- Palm Beach County has set a November referendum for slot machines -- have disagreed with Bondis interpretation of the state law.