Jim Rosica
The Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s decision to abandon efforts to build a destination casino in Florida is “good news,” says an anti-gambling group.
The No Casinos organization in Orlando sent out a press release Tuesday night saying the Sands’ “so-called ‘integrated resort,’ which is industry-speak for giant casino, would (have caused) economic harm to small businesses and families in whatever Florida community saddled with it.”
The Sands threw in the towel this week after years of trying to persuade lawmakers to allow them such a resort.
It combines convention space, luxury rooms, high-end retail and celebrity-chef restaurants – along with Las Vegas-style gambling action.
South Florida had long been the targeted ground.
Most recently, legislation introduced this past session would have given South Florida two destination resort casinos, allowed dog tracks to stop live racing but continue to offer slots, and create a statewide gambling commission.
It died in committee.
“While one less company seeking to expand gambling in Florida is a good thing, No Casinos will remain vigilant as there are other companies and organizations looking to cash in at the expense of hard-working Floridians by attempting to expand gambling,” said Paul Seago, the group’s executive director.
To be sure, the Malaysia-based Genting Group and others have also wanted a toehold in the state for similar projects.
Sands executives now are looking north at the Peach State. They have meetings set this week to talk to Georgia legislative leaders about permitting a destination casino in Atlanta.
The Sands operates other casinos in Las Vegas; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Macau and Singapore.
For now, Florida is burned-over territory, except Big Gambling wasn’t able to make converts to the destination casino faith.
As Sands vice president Andy Abboud told FloridaPolitics.com on Tuesday, “No matter who wanted it, they weren’t going to get destination gaming in Florida; it doesn’t matter who you are.”
