High tax rate for Fla. slots

Florida legislators passed a bill putting a 50 percent tax on slots revenues Thursday, prompting Pompano Park's management, as well as management at other Broward County pari-mutuel facilities, to say a high tax rate on slots will force them to change their plans.



"I imagine we'll have to go back to the drawing board," said Dick Feinberg, general manager of Pompano Park, which is owned by Isle of Capri Casinos.



Dan Adkins, vice president of Hollywood Greyhound, said he would now likely remodel an existing building instead of building a new one.



Sen. Steve Geller (D) from Hallandale Beach, where Gulfstream Park is located, said he believes the 50 percent tax rate, one of th highest in the country, is "setting them up for failure. I believe they (legislators) are doing this so the governor can lead a repeal campaign and say, `See? Look what you have instead of those nice facilities you were promised.'"



Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "It's unfortunate that the legislature has once again thwarted the will of the voters. By imposing such a high tax rate, they guarantee that less money will be raised for education than promised by the constitutional amendment."



The regulations for slots were approved by the House in a 110-8 vote and then by the Senate by a 23-14 margin. Each Broward County pari-mutuel facility will be able to install up to 1,500 machines.

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