Floridians vote on slots this week, (in addition to casting their vote for the next President of the United States) while New Jersey residents will have a chance to vote for whether they want sports betting in Atlantic City, making the seaside resort only the second town in the US with legalized sports betting.

Just don't hold your breath folks from NJ.

Tom Hester of the Newark Star Ledger writes:

For the third time in less than four years, a referendum that would ask New Jersey voters to allow sports betting in Atlantic City casinos is moving in the Legislature.

But there is no reason to hurry to the gambling mecca to place a bet on the Super Bowl. Proponents concede it will be years, if ever, before legal sports betting becomes a reality in New Jersey.

For it to happen here, the state would have to successfully challenge a federal ban. Supporters foresee a legal tangle that could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I think Appalachian State would have to beat the Giants before the federal government would allow us to change the law to permit sports betting in casinos," said Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex). "That's about where our odds stand right now."

Still, the idea took a step forward yesterday when the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee unanimously approved the legislation (A1909). It could be up for a vote by the full Assembly as early as Feb. 7.

Those living in the state of Florida have a better shot at getting more gambling opportunities as early as today. The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida was in the process of adding Vegas style slots and blackjack tables to their three year old successful establishment over the next month.

And Floridians will also have an opportunity to vote for more than the next US President when they head to the polls today (January 29, 2008).

On the ballot will be a controversial property tax amendment, whether to make the property appraiser's job an elected position rather than an appointed position and a referendum to allow Las Vegas style slot machines at Miami Jai-Alai, the Flagler Sports and Entertainment Center dog track and Calder Race Course, with tax dollars going toward the state's education fund. Amendment 1, which needs a 60-percent approval to become law, doubles the Homestead Exemption on primary homes valued at more than $50-thousand but only for non-school taxes. A "portability" provision would allow homesteaders to take existing Save Our Homes benefits along when they move. Save Our Homes limits annual assessment increases to 3 percent but only for primary homes.

If the amendment succeeds, the average Florida homeowner would save between $220 and $240 a year. The savings will differ substantially depending on a home's value and local tax rates. Critics have argued that the relatively small savings won't be worth the potential cuts to schools and other public services. They also say it will increase the existing unfairness in Florida's tax system and end hopes for developing a better plan.

Three years ago, Miami-Dade County voters rejected a slot machine referendum, while voters in Broward County approved them for its jai-alai fronton and horse and dog racetracks.

Courtesy of the Gambling 911 Newswire. www.gambling911.com
 

Tony George
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