Most Floridians Support Destination Casinos

A new poll of Florida voters showsnearly two-thirds support the Florida Legislature establishing a limited number of "high-quality destination resort casinos" in the state to create new jobs and boost economic development.

The survey of 601 likely Florida voters, conducted by The Tarrance Group, also found that respondents have a negative view (67 percent) of Internet gambling in the state.

"The opinion of Florida voters is clear. When it comes to destination resorts, the answer is an overwhelming yes. But voters know what they like and what they dont, and they overwhelmingly reject Internet gaming," said Dave Sackett, founding partner of The Tarrance Group. "It would be reasonable to conclude that Florida voters recognize the economic benefits of destination resorts, but also see the pitfalls posed by unregulated online gambling."

More than three in five Florida voters 61 percent said they would favor the Florida Legislature approving a limited number of new gaming operations in the state as a way to create new jobs and boost economic development. Only 35 percent of Florida voters would be opposed to this. Three percent said they were unsure.

The Tarrance Group, based in Washington, D.C., conducted this poll of 601 likely Florida voters Oct. 20-22. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.