Florida gaming summit will focus on Broward slots

October 11

Internet gambling fansare are following this gaming story with curiosity as developments are taking place. Now, unanswered questions surrounding the controversial introduction of slot machines at 4 parimutuel facilities in Broward County will be a primary focus of discussion at next week's Florida Gaming Summit.

Earlier this year, Broward voters passed a constitutional amendment that permitted operators to place the machines in the facilities, but installation has been delayed as the Florida Legislature is still considering when to decide on laws to regulate slots. One resolution would allow voters to reconsider the measure. Meantime, an appeals court last week held that the Broward pari-mutuel slots casinos have the ability to install slots while awaiting regulations. The State of Florida is appealing the ruling.

Gaming operatives, vendors, analysts and even regulators from Florida and the national gaming industry will assemble for this new conference, scheduled for October 17 and 18 in Miami. Local and national gaming professionals will chat about the Broward County slots issue, the growth of Indian gaming, the relationship between gaming and tourism, and the local impact of gaming.

Sen. Steve Geller will address Florida's political and legal environment and the future of slots in Broward County in Monday night's opening keynote address. Sen. Geller has played a leadership role in the effort to add gaming machines to the product mix of the state's pari-mutuel slots casino facilities. At Tuesday's keynote luncheon, American Gaming Association President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., will address the economic and social impacts of gaming.