Panhandle voters say yes to slot machines

Despite ongoing legal questions, voters in two Panhandle counties said yes Tuesday to adding slot machines to their local tracks.

Gadsden County voters overwhelmingly supported adding slot machines to a quarter horse barrel racing facility located in the tiny town of Gretna, near Interstate 10. Nearly 63 percent voted yes on the referendum.

More than 57 percent of Washington County voters backed adding slot machines to the Ebro Greyhound Track, which is about 22 miles north of Panama City Beach.

In both locations, developers promised to add thousands of jobs and spend millions if they won approval for slot machines.

Voter approval doesn't guarantee the tracks will be transformed into new casinos anytime soon.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a legal opinion saying state law permits referendums to authorize slots only in two South Florida counties.

Gov. Rick Scott said on Tuesday that he plans to follow Bondi's opinion.

"We are not going to issue those licenses, we are going to follow her opinion," Scott said.

The president of the company that runs the Gretna track, however, made it clear that he believes the company has met the legal obligations to add slot machines.

"We will now work through the licensing process with the state of Florida and deal with those who will erect legal obstacles to oppose the project," said James Dorris, president and CEO of PCI Gaming Authority.

The slot machine referendum was supported by Gretna city officials and business leaders. Referendums in both counties were opposed by local ministers, who warned that more gambling would not yield the positive economic development that supporters contend.

The votes come amid an ongoing battle in the Capitol over the future of gambling in the Sunshine State. Lawmakers are considering bills that would authorize the creation of three large casinos.