Broward Judge Overrules Appeal, Says Slots Will Go Forward
Judge Says Court Process Should Not Stop Pari-Mutuels From Adding Machines
POSTED: Monday, August 22, 2005
UPDATED: 6:37 pm EDT August 22,
2005
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A Broward judge is once again saying that there is nothing that should hold up slot machines from being added to the county's pari-mutuel facilities.
In June, Judge Leroy Moe ruled that the county could bring in Vegas-style slot machines even though the state had not yet legislated how to regulate them. That decision was put on hold when it was appealed by the state attorney. On Monday, Moe ruled that even if the issue is in the courts that's no reason to stop the installation of the slot machines that were approved by voters."I think Judge Moe is saying if the legislature sits on the sidelines and does nothing, that doesn't mean that slots machines aren't coming to Broward County," said Thomas Julin, an attorney who is representing the pari-mutuels.The millions of dollars in planned upgrades and renovations have been on hold while the slots issue works its way through the legal system.The gaming industry wanted to have slots in place on July 1, but lawmakers still haven't decided how to regulate the industry.The pari-mutuels say public schools are the ones losing out on about $300,000 a day in tax revenues.But Moe says he is more concerned about voters who he feels shouldn't have to wait for lawmakers to decide the details of their constitutional amendment."The fallout, I have no control over. As they say, I maybe in charge, but I'm not in control," Moe said.Despite the ruling, the pari-mutuel owners aren't bringing in the machines just yet. They're working with county commissioners to develop local regulations, such as the hours of operation and numbers of machines.Officials told Local 10 that something should be in place by the end of next month. However, any regulations commissioners come up with will be over-ruled by legislators, if and when they decide to act.There was no word from the Gov. Jeb Bush's office on how or if Moe's ruling will effect his decision to call lawmakers back to Tallahassee to tackle the issue.An attorney for the pari-mutuel owners says if the state or county doesn't come up with some rules by Dec. 1, they'll go forward with no regulation at all.
In June, Judge Leroy Moe ruled that the county could bring in Vegas-style slot machines even though the state had not yet legislated how to regulate them. That decision was put on hold when it was appealed by the state attorney. On Monday, Moe ruled that even if the issue is in the courts that's no reason to stop the installation of the slot machines that were approved by voters."I think Judge Moe is saying if the legislature sits on the sidelines and does nothing, that doesn't mean that slots machines aren't coming to Broward County," said Thomas Julin, an attorney who is representing the pari-mutuels.The millions of dollars in planned upgrades and renovations have been on hold while the slots issue works its way through the legal system.The gaming industry wanted to have slots in place on July 1, but lawmakers still haven't decided how to regulate the industry.The pari-mutuels say public schools are the ones losing out on about $300,000 a day in tax revenues.But Moe says he is more concerned about voters who he feels shouldn't have to wait for lawmakers to decide the details of their constitutional amendment."The fallout, I have no control over. As they say, I maybe in charge, but I'm not in control," Moe said.Despite the ruling, the pari-mutuel owners aren't bringing in the machines just yet. They're working with county commissioners to develop local regulations, such as the hours of operation and numbers of machines.Officials told Local 10 that something should be in place by the end of next month. However, any regulations commissioners come up with will be over-ruled by legislators, if and when they decide to act.There was no word from the Gov. Jeb Bush's office on how or if Moe's ruling will effect his decision to call lawmakers back to Tallahassee to tackle the issue.An attorney for the pari-mutuel owners says if the state or county doesn't come up with some rules by Dec. 1, they'll go forward with no regulation at all. Previous Stories:
- June 21, 2005: Judge Threatens To Bring Slots To Broward, All On His Own
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