Action possible in Fla.

According to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper, Broward County commissioners are considering taking whatever action they can to get slots up and running at the county's pari-mutuel facilities, which includes Pompano Park.



Last week the Florida legislature failed to pass legislation to regulate slot machine gambling at Broward County's pari-mutuel venues. County commissioners have decided they should explore whether they can pass rules on their own.



Commissioners asked their attorney Tuesday to research their authority to oversee the industry. Next week they will consider whether to begin drafting restrictions that cover such details as the winnings each machine pays out and the hours of operation for the casinos.



Commissioners are said to be concerned that if the pari-mutuel operators take their case to court and a judge sides with them, slots play could begin immediately, without regulations on the books.



The gambling industry expects to go to court shortly to argue that last fall's constitutional amendment allowing slots can go into effect after July 1 without any legislative action.

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