Las Vegas developers eager to bring their operations into Florida

Florida lawmakers heard from two eager Las Vegas developers who say they are ready to start doing business in the state.

No legislation has been introduced but the Senate Regulated Industries Committee held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a possible expansion of gaming in the state. Representatives of Wynn Resorts and Sands Corp. said Florida represents a major opportunity for their industry.

"If we were to come to the state of Florida, we'd be including large-scale, luxurious hotels …large-scale meeting/convention space, retail, dining, entertainment, spectacularly designed, architecturally iconic projects," Andy Abboud, a vice president for Sands, told the committee, The Tampa Tribune reported.

The Seminole Tribe signed a Class III compact with the state that authorizes slot machines and card games. The deal includes a revenue sharing company but the tribe can stop making payments if the state expands non-Indian gaming.

Get the Story:
Casinos urge lawmakers to allow them to locate in Florida (The Tampa Tribune 1/12)
Could Florida Allow More Casino Gambling? (The News Service Florida 1/12)

Related Stories:
New Florida governor clarifies remarks about gaming expansion (1/11)
Florida lawmakers gearing up for more discussions about gaming (1/7)