On September 7, the First District Court of Appeal heard arguments in an appeal challenging slot machines at Hialeah Park.
In 2010, the Florida Legislature passed a law permitting slot machines in pari-mutuel facilities in charter counties and counties that hold referendums on slot machines if the facilities conducted live racing, such as horse racing, in the two years before applying for the machines. Because Miami-Dade is a charter county and Hialeah Park resumed horse racing in 2009, the facility is now eligible to contain slot machines. Competing pari-mutuel facilities filed suit in Tallahassee, challenging the constitutionality of the new law. Circuit Judge James Shelfer dismissed part of the lawsuit, holding that the Legislature retains the power to permits slots throughout the state.
A decision by the First District could have significant consequences for lawmakers and gamblers alike in Florida. If the Court determines that the 2010 amendment violates prior amendments, it is likely the ruling will be appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
