Lawmakers file new casino legislation

Florida lawmakers Rep. Erik Fresen and Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff have filed
legislation that would offer casino licenses to three resort projects in
Florida. Those wanting to apply for a license would be required to pay a
$50 million fee to be considered, with more weight given to projects
that start construction earlier. Each resort would have to spend at
least $2 billion on development and construction after receiving the
license. Malaysian firm Genting, which is looking to open a casino in
downtown Miami, said the Destination Resorts Act, as the legislation is
called, would bring 100,000 new jobs to the state, according to
spokesperson Jessica Hoppe. [SFBJ]