Florida gambling expansion unlikely this year

It seems Genting and others hoping to open resort casinos in South Florida are going to have to wait at least another year.

Florida lawmakers acknowledged the chances are slim for a major gambling reform to be adopted during this year’s legislative session. The state Senate Gaming Committee chairman said Thursday a law change “is not in the cards for this session,” according to the Miami Herald. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott continues negotiations with the Seminole Tribe of Florida on a renewal of its gaming compact with the state.

One gambling-related bill the Senate plans to take up is a proposal to phase out greyhound racing, which is declining throughout the country. Florida has 13 of the 21 remaining greyhound tracks. [Miami Herald] — Eric Kalis