Slots help to 'transform' Florida racetracks

2008-03-07 12:00:44

The testing out of slot machines in Florida is proving to be a big success, it has been argued.

Peter Schmuck wrote in the Baltimore Sun that slots revenues have helped to completely transform both the Pompano Park harness racetrack and Gulfstream Park.

A new casino at Pompano was funded by slot machines and this has not only helped business go through the roof, but it has also led to a livelier atmosphere at the track.

On the other hand, Gulfstream Park "now looks like the Taj Mahal of horse racing", following an extensive refurbishment paid for by its slots.

Florida appears to be following in the footsteps of Pennsylvania, which has made millions of dollars from taxing slots since legalizing them a few years ago.

Mr Schmuck said that the only downside may be that not enough of the increased profits are being transferred to the horse racing purses.