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Guest editorial: Casino bill not right for Florida
Jan 19, 2012 - Ponte Vedra Recorder

Sen. John Thrasher
Guest Columnist

This session, there will be many issues discussed by the Florida Legislature, and while reapportionment and the budget will undoubtedly be the two most significant challenges before us, the question of whether Florida should expand gambling seems to be leading the headlines.

To be clear, the discussion of the industry-titled “destination resorts” is, without a doubt, a discussion and a vote for or against the expansion of gambling.

And, while some of my colleagues in the Senate and House have said the casino bill is an attempt to regulate all of the gambling offerings and contain them into voter-approved areas, it is my opinion this bill represents the largest expansion of gambling in the country.

Further, I believe this bill would delegate an enormous amount of authority and interpretation to an unelected gaming commission with a regulatory and enforcement body with no accountability to the people of Florida.

If increased regulation is indeed the goal, I believe we can accomplish this without branding Florida as a mega-gambling state and encouraging the added consequences of bringing Vegas-style casinos into our communities.

I believe that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right; and simply put — this bill is not right.

Florida Senator John Thrasher (R) represents Florida District 8 .
You can reach his district office at (904)727-3600 or by emaling thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov

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