According to an essay published on the SunCam website, Florida does not have legalized land-based casino gambling. It does, however, have a day-cruise facility that offers gamblers the opportunity to board ships that cruise offshore where casino gambling is legal. Florida also has seven Native American casino style gaming locations on sovereign Native American tribal land. The Seminoles have six casino locations, and another casino is on the Miccosukee reservation. In addition, there are two river boat casinos in operation. The State of Florida has gone to court in an attempt to shut down the Indian gaming operations, and in the alternative to limit the scope of their gambling operations. The tribes have appealed to the Secretary of the Interior to intercede to allow full-scale casino gambling on their reservations including slot machines and gaming tables ("Florida Casino Guide" Online). Florida consider legalizing casino gambling. If the State regulated the industry, it could limit its growth, curb certain excesses and reap the benefits in the form of increased revenues.
As with many public policy issues, neither the pros nor the cons of expanded gambling are as clear as proponents and opponents suggest. There are reasons to seriously consider expanded gambling in Florida, as well as reasons to question the wisdom of such a decision. In theory, generating state revenue from casino gambling is a way to raise revenues for needy state and local governments without raising taxes. From the perspective of increasing government revenues, it is hard to argue persuasively against expanded gambling. However, there is a social cost of gambling that must be considered in any decision about whether or not to legalize casino style gambling in Florida. Opponents argue that casino style gambling would increase crime rates, increase gambling addiction, and damage Florida's reputation as a family friendly vacation destination.
Supporters ...