Florida residents discuss casino expansion
A “No Casino” movement in Florida has responded to critics about allegedly misinformed statements.
US.- As casino and gaming expansion in Florida has been paralysed for now, residents have been discussing about the possible implementations of new legislations. The state has been proposed as a highly potential tourism hub with further attractions – aside from the Caribbean beaches and Disney World, focusing on casino and gaming industries.
However, a strong residents’ group that opposes to the possible expansion have been gathering support statewide. The “No Casino” movement has been recently accused of “misinformed” by casino sponsors and the casino consultant and executive, Steven Norton, released a full argument supporting gaming expansion.
“It’s not just the gaming, but the entire experience… and when people vacation, they have more time to enjoy their favorite pastimes, than when at home. Plus you will find many potential visitors who will not vacation at a resort unless casino gaming is available,” the consultant explained. And he adds: “I understand Disney’s opposition to gaming, not wanting visitors to spend their money away from Disney World or Epcot, but their visitors also have gaming available, being close to America’s top grossing casino resort, the Seminole Hard Rock, down I-4, in Tampa.”
The No Casino group argues that casino venues would not only attract tourists, but also locals, affecting the current social structure. However, Norton responded that “the Orlando family resorts have to realize that many of their mid-week customers in the fall, winter and spring are in Orlando attending conventions and trade shows, and do not have their children in tow, so casino gaming is an important added attraction.”
