Legislators, casinos try capitalizing on poor economy to bring gambling to South Florida

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From left: Rep. Erik Fresen, Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff and the Miami Herald headquarters

If gambling firm Genting’s $236 million bet on Miami’s casino future is ever going to pay off, now might be the time. The St. Petersburg Times reported that Rep. Erik Fresen (R-Miami) and Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Fort Lauderdale) will unveil their legislation to allow Genting and others to bid on three licenses to bring resort-style casinos to South Florida in the next two weeks.

The idea is gaining more traction than ever before thanks to the region’s economic difficulties. “If we weren’t in double-digit unemployment and a receding economy, I don’t think there would be much appetite for this bill but, in this environment, it’s almost an obligation to discuss it,” Fresen said.

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But many believe the odds are still long. Disagreements among potential casino developers, pushback from the Seminole tribe that pays $250 million a year to keep competitors out and a reluctance to support open gambling all stand in the bill’s way.

In May, Genting bought the Miami Herald’s 13.9-acre headquarters, which is well-suited for a casino. [St. Petersburg Times]