Week of July 2, 2009
| Slot machines seen as next Miami International Airport cash cow By Risa Polansky Las Vegas-style slot machines could be on the horizon at Miami International Airport. Installing 1,000 slots in concourses could generate $17 million to $20 million a year, county documents say. Miami-Dade is considering slots as part of an arsenal of revenue-generating initiatives to combat an added $500 million in aviation debt service and operating costs expected beginning in 2015. To have a shot at slots, the county must apply this week as the clock ticks on an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe. The pending gambling pact would keep quarter horse racing-permit holders from slot machine licenses. For a license to install airport slots, Miami-Dade would first need a racing permit. "We would state in our application that we don't have an intention of doing any of the races," said Miguel Southwell, aviation deputy director for business retention and development. The county could lease its racing permit to a racing venue in Miami-Dade or Broward, such as Hialeah or Gulfstream. Up to 6.5% of slots earnings would go to an organization benefiting quarter horse racing. The state would get 35%. The county would also share revenue with the company that builds and operate the slots facilities, probably in a 60%-40% split favoring the county, Mr. Southwell said. Even after, slots could still mean about $17 million for the aviation department, he said. He pitched the plan to commissioners Tuesday. The majority were on board to apply for the permit and leave the slots option open. A few protested. "We're not Las Vegas," Natacha Seijas said, predicting gamblers might buy plane tickets just to get to slots if they're put in secure areas as envisioned. Other possible revenue generators include rock mining at Opa-locka West Airport and drilling for oil at the Dade-Collier Training & Transition Airport.
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