Western Panhandle Awaits Court Decision on Slot Machines

The western Panhandle may soon join the growing interest in the field of pari-mutuel slot machines.

The Northwest Florida Daily News is reporting that tourism officials in the western Panhandle are waiting to see if the Florida Supreme Court decides to hear the pending appeal against the law that lets the Legislature approve slot machines anywhere in the state.

Mark Bellinger, executive director of the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council, said if the Supreme Court lets the decision stand, he would schedule a discussion on casino gambling with his tourism board and likely bring the issue to the County Commission, the Daily News reports.

As in Okaloosa County, the issue of casino gambling has not been discussed yet by the TDC boards in Walton or Santa Rosa counties.

However, the executive directors of both boards said that would change if the Supreme Court allows the Legislature to approve slot machines.

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