HOLLYWOOD, Florida -- As reported by the St. Petersburg Times: "It's been a landmark year for the gambling business in Florida.
"But darned if Wall Street analysts, industry experts and the race track and casino operators gathered for a conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino on Tuesday could reach consensus on where gambling is going in the Sunshine State.
"'Gambling could go everywhere,' said Robert Jarvis, a professor of gaming law at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, at the program attended by more than 200 industry professionals. Commercial and Indian casinos might cluster in South Florida, he said, or the Seminole Tribe of Florida might end up as the state's only major player.
"The future hinges in large part on the ongoing negotiations between the tribe and state officials over a deal to expand gambling at seven Seminole casinos, including the Hard Rock in Tampa. The agreement would bring the first legal table games such as blackjack and baccarat to Florida, making gambling a draw for high-roller tourists, said Dennis Farrell, a senior analyst for Wachovia.
"...That prospect has alarmed race track owners in South Florida and the Tampa Bay area, who are calling for state to give them the same deal the tribe receives..."