South Florida could soon be giving Las Vegas a little more competition.
State Representative Dana Young of Tampa, who leads the House Republican caucus, has introduced a package aimed at overhauling gambling rules in Florida.
"Under the scenario presented in my bill, Florida vigorously takes back control of existing gaming in our state and provides a clear blueprint for the path it will take in the future," said Young.
The bill would allow two destination casino resorts to open in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
First, they would have to be approved in a countywide referendum and they would have to guarantee a $175 million a year payment to the state.
In exchange, they would be allowed to run a variety of games.
"It would involve Class 3 gaming including all of the gaming allowed at the Seminole Tribe's facilities as well as roulette and craps," said Young.
The bill says nothing about extending the state's current agreement with the Seminole Tribe, parts of which are set to expire this year.
"With regards to the tribe, we are certainly open to continuing dialogue with the tribe as to how they fit in this larger picture," said Young.
Indian gambling is ultimately governed by federal law.
Seminole Tribe spokesman Gary Bitner issued a statement which said: "Tribes can offer games up to the level of games that are legal in a state, without sharing revenue with the state. So any expansion of games in Florida would apply to all of the tribe's seven Florida casinos."
Under Young's bill, the new resort casino operators would have to buy out existing gaming permits.
She has also included a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit new gambling in Florida if this bill is passed.
The legislation would also affect greyhound tracks.
Young said it would allow tracks in Palm Beach and Lee counties to add slot machines if they meet certain criteria.
She said it would also reduce greyhound racing by "decoupling" dog racing permits from casinos and card rooms, allowing pari-mutuel operators to have more flexibility.