Orlando Business Journal – The heated debate on gambling will come down to one simple thing: Do the benefits of expanded gambling outweigh the social and economic risks?
The big question: Will 38,000 new jobs statewide be a good enough benefit?
That still is being determined by state leaders in Tallahassee as the Senate Committee on Gaming has been hearing public opinion on the topic of expanded gaming. The committee is expected to meet again on Jan. 13 for further discussions.
The state has been referring to a study by Spectrum Gaming Group that looked at several factors of how gambling affects the state. Job creation, economic output and social issues were just some topics studied.
The biggest argument for pro-gambling supporters most likely will be the 38,000 new jobs that could be created if gambling were expanded, allowing six new casinos to spring up statewide.
Many dissenters already have said the concept of new jobs is true, but how well will they pay? In fact, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs told state leaders during one of the public opinion meetings that the state should try to track high-wage, high-skilled jobs, which aren’t what a resort casino would create.
Do you think these 38,000 new jobs are feasible or just a bad hand gambling supporters are trying to deal the state? Send me an email or comment below.
