Phil Ammann
As the 2015 Legislative Session begins in earnest, Florida lawmakers will once again consider a “New Deal” to reform gambling statewide.
Despite the best intentions of Tallahassee lawmakers, expanded gambling in Florida will always result in higher crime and taxes on residents, says a new ad launching today by the anti-gambling coalition No Casinos.
A new 30-second spot from the Orlando-based group – called “New Deal” – disputes the claims of casino supporters, among other changes, will be a “win-win” for the Sunshine State. The ads are running on TV and radio in markets throughout Florida starting Wednesday.
“They win, we lose,” the ad says.
This week, Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young submitted the Gaming Control Act of 2015, calling for wide-ranging gambling reforms, including changes in the way the state handles existing pari-mutuel permits. The bill also opens the door for possible destination casinos in South Florida, something that No Casinos has strongly opposed.
The “New Deal” campaign, which also includes radio spots, details how the bill will benefit the gambling industry, to the harm of Florida and its citizens.
A leading concern for No Casinos is allowing out-of-state and foreign gambling conglomerates to build Las Vegas-style casinos in South Florida. They also take issue with the proposal to permit dog and horse tracks and frontons beyond Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to offer new gambling known as “historical racing,” which plays like a slot machine; as well as lower taxes on tracks and frontons in South Florida.
“New Deal” is available now on YouTube.
