Florida Senate Debating Slot Machines

Contrary to what Mr. G believes: Florida is in need of tax revenue.

After years of antigambling battles, Florida's property-tax crisis and shrinking state budget have opened the door for gambling proponents, who persuaded a Senate Committee on Monday to approve expanding slot-machine gambling throughout the state.

To the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, the proposal to allow expansion of so-called ''video lottery terminals'' to about 25 existing parimutuels was a financial issue. Senators talked about the money it could raise -- up to $2 billion a year -- and planned ways to spend the money before it even gets to the full chamber for a vote. And in the 25-minute debate, there was almost no mention of the money's connection to gaming.

Most of the video lottery machines look and play like the Vegas-style slots that are now spinning in Broward County parimutuels. But with so-called Class II machines, players bet against each other and not the house, resulting in lower payouts.

There is a reason the Florida Senate is taking a serious look at allowing more slot machines for tax revenue. Money quote.

First, the state's sales-tax-fueled budget is slowing with the economy.

Slot machine taxes will have as much positive revenue as the lottery. There was a time when pols said the lottery would pay for education. Obviously, that isn't the case.

Florida desperately needs money to build new roads. The state does not have tax fat to burn. Wayne Garcia correctly pointed out that Florida ranks 39th in tax burden

In other news: Charlie Crist is giving the legislature more time to fix property taxes. The plan for homeowners to move part of their Save Our Homes Amendment benefits may not be legal.