Amendment 4: Slot Machines
Authorizes Miami-Dade and Broward County Voters to Approve Slot Machines in Pari-Mutuel Facilities
Official Ballot Wording: Authorizes Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to hold referenda on whether to authorize slot machines in existing, licensed pari-mutuel facilities (thoroughbred and harness racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai) that have conducted live racing or games in that county during each of the last two calendar years before effective date of this amendment. The Legislature may tax slot machine revenues, and any such taxes must supplement public education funding statewide. Requires implementing legislation.
This amendment alone has no fiscal impact on government. If slot machines are authorized in Miami-Dade or Broward counties, governmental costs associated with additional gambling will increase by an unknown amount and local sales tax-related revenues will be reduced by $5 million to $8 million annually. If the Legislature also chooses to tax slot machine revenues, state tax revenues from Miami-Dade and Broward counties combined would range from $200 million to $500 million annually.
Amendment proposed by citizen initiative
Proponents: Let's Miami-Dade voters decide whether to authorize slot machine at seven pari-mutuel facilities, creating jobs and increasing education funding.
Opponents: Allows increase in gambling and associated crime and won't make money because associated costs would cut into profits.
This amendment alone has no fiscal impact on government. If slot machines are authorized in Miami-Dade or Broward counties, governmental costs associated with additional gambling will increase by an unknown amount and local sales tax-related revenues will be reduced by $5 million to $8 million annually. If the Legislature also chooses to tax slot machine revenues, state tax revenues from Miami-Dade and Broward counties combined would range from $200 million to $500 million annually.
Amendment proposed by citizen initiative
Opponents: Allows increase in gambling and associated crime and won't make money because associated costs would cut into profits.
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