Miami Doral Resort Could Offer Gambling
The last remaining gambling property with ties to former US President Trump Plaza in Atlantic City was razed last month, reportedly marking the end of Trump's casino activity. However, this could change, Eric Trump, son of Donald Trump wants to turn a family property in Florida into a casino. According to some local media, Trump is pushing for the Miami Doral Resort in South Florida to become a casino resort. The property currently has 640 hotel rooms and four golf courses. With financial losses, the COVID-19 pandemic did not help and property income plummeted by $ 57 million last year.
Donald Trump's Doral Golf Club could become a lifesaver if a Florida bill allows more gambling in the state and the property can operate a casino.The former U.S. president had previously tried to convince Florida lawmakers to expand gambling options in the state, pushing for them to approve new casino licenses, but in 2018, an amendment to the state constitution was passed specifying that the expansion of casino gambling would be determined by Florida voters and not by legislators.
Lawmakers May Be Considering New Casino Licenses
Gambling is limited in Florida to tribal casinos and mutual games, in other words, they are not large-scale casinos with games like roulette and blackjack. Although a gambling bill has not been introduced in the Florida Legislature, discussions have taken place to allow gambling in Trump National Doral. If the proposal passes, properties where gambling is not allowed could obtain a gambling license and local governments could not intervene. It is still unclear if a gaming agreement could be reached to make the idea possible. It is clear, however, that the state government is open to discussion.
Meredith Beatrice, a spokeswoman for the governor, said they are considering a way forward and options for the state in gambling and believe it is important to listen to representatives of the gambling industry. In the discussion around online gambling there is a complicated issue, and it is that of sports betting, which, according to a report, has had a “boom” on the Internet and it has not been resolved which parties would be in charge of controlling this market if it were legalized in Florida or would require state voter approval.
Resistance To Changes In Online Gambling Legislation
John Sowinski, president of the anti-gambling group No Casinos Florida, told the media that trying to authorize sports betting or new gambling operations without voter approval would be a legal challenge and this includes turning Doral Golf Resort into a Game Center. Miami Beach is strongly opposed to gambling not only in its city but in Miami-Dade County as a whole and they would be willing to hire outside attorney to challenge any effort by the Florida Legislature to allow this practice.
Any expansion of casino gambling, whether in Miami-Dade County or Miami Beach, would impose severe economic and social costs on the community, the gambling is totally incompatible with the residential neighborhoods, the historical character and the economy of the city. Additionally, gambling would hamper the city's efforts to raise its profile as a cultural destination.
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