Restaurant Association Joins Opposition to Casino Expansion

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has joined the Florida Chamber of Commerce in opposing the expansion of casino gambling.

The influential trade association called the destination casino bills expected to be debated in the Legislature in 2012 a rose surrounded by thorns.

Whether it is called destination resorts by proponents, or casino hotels by opponents, it still boils down to one incendiary issue -- gambling, the association stated in its 2012 priorities.

Florida is considered one of the most family-friendly destination locations in the world. Should we gamble our decades of work to build our wholesome reputation on the risky proposition that those big-spending foreign gamblers will solve our economic problems? The answer is an overwhelming no. Any benefit to Florida will never outweigh the heavy cost.

On Thursday, Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson reaffirmed his business organizations opposition to legislation that would allow expanded casino gambling in South Florida.

However, he said during a media conference in the Capitol Thursday on the priorities of the chamber in the upcoming session, the group is willing to take a second look at the casinos if advocates are able to show the proposed megacasinos would reduce rather than expand gambling.

Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, and Senate sponsor Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, are expected to soon file identical bills that would allow for three massive resort casinos to open beyond the Florida Seminole land in South Florida.

The bills are also expected to establish an independent gambling commission that would oversee most aspects of gaming in the state. The Florida lottery would not be under the commission.