Florida Supreme Court leaves slot machine laws up to Legislature

Previously on life support, the push to add slot machines throughout South Florida was given a fresh breath of air today by the Florida Supreme Court. The Associated Press reported that by dismissing its slot machine case, the state’s highest court let stand a previous ruling that allowed slot machines to be built anywhere in the state with approval from the Legislature.

Though the Florida Legislature rejected a push earlier this year to permit three large resort casinos — including Genting, which acquired downtown Miami real estate in an effort to build a resort and casino complex — the ruling leaves them open to altering those rules.

“We need to wake up,” said Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, of the Legislature’s need to tackle the issue. “We need to stop ignoring it and not dirty our hands. … We should not be abdicating our responsibility.” [AP via Miami Herald]