New Casino Gambling Could Put A Damper on Florida Lottery Sales

The Florida Lottery was a program that was started nearly twenty years ago to help the state's education system financially. Over the years millions of dollar has come into the education system from the lottery.

After almost twenty years of being the only ticket in town, change could be on the horizon for the state lottery. Expanded gambling in the state's casinos could mean a drop in business for the lottery.

Broward County has gone to Vegas style slot machines in their parimutuels. The Indian casinos have just received permission to install the Vegas style slots throughout their state casinos. They also will be allowed to offer blackjack and baccarat.

Miami Dade voters have just voted for the Vegas style slots in their County. All of these expanded gambling options could have a negative effect on old reliable, the state lottery.

No data currently backs up the theory of lottery sales dropping in Broward since the added gambling in the casinos. With Miami Dade adding the slot machines, and with the Seminole expansion, however, there is the possibility of lottery sales declining.

The economy is getting tighter in the state, much like around the nation. People will soon, if not already, be having to make decisions on where to spend their precious few extra entertainment dollars. That is where the drop off for the lottery could occur.

The lottery has survived several difficult economic periods. It has the resolve and the draw that could withstand the influx of competition. Only time will tell if the expanded gambling will hurt what is now a state institution, the lottery.

February 9, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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