Tax revenues from the games will be used to reduce property taxes, experts said. The bill was approved by a committee in the Florida House yesterday, and could raise approximately $1 billion every year for the state, and would be used to lower the amount local governments pay for education funding.
The video gaming machines are currently used only in Seminole and Miccosukee Indian casinos around Florida.

Cutting Property Taxes

The proposal passed during the last week of the yearly 60-day legislative session as politicians try to find a way to slash property taxes.

The House Environment & Natural Resources Committee approved the bill by a vote of 12-2, based on a 26-page amendment filed by Rep. Denise Grimsley  (R-Sebring).

Rep. Rich Glorioso said he he voted for it because he wanted to give the entire House a chance to debate it.

"I believe any decision this large and of this magnitude needs to be made by the entire floor," said Glorioso, (R-Plant City).

Rep. David Rivera (R-Miami) said the bill would help pari-mutuels which were currently at a "competitive disadvantage" with Indian casinos while also helping to lower property taxes, as it would allow the machines in pari-mutuel facilities within 40 miles of existing Indian casinos or in counties with more than 800,000 people that also have an Indian casino.

The video lottery machines are electronically tied into each other and gamblers are betting against each other to win jackpots.

A similar bill (SB 2434) passed the Senate on a 34-5 vote just last week. Also yesterday, the full House of Representatives approved a bill that will increase the number of slot machines Broward County pari-mutuels can install from 1,500 to 2,000.

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