A SPLIT DECISION

Voters in Dade and Broward counties cast ballots Tuesday on the question on wheather they wanted Level III slot machines at their area dog and horse tracks and jai alai frontons. The result was a split decision, with relatively close votes in both cases.

Dade County voters rejected the notion of slot machines by a 52.1-47.9 percent vote, while in Broward it was approved by a slightly wider margin, 57-43 percent.

That means that once the Legislature approves the details (types of slot machines, level of taxation, how much of that will eventually go to education, and how they'll be managed by the facilities), the Las Vegas-style machines will be hooked up at Gulfstream Park, Pompano Park, Dania Jai-Alai, and Hollywood Greyhound Track.

There are some people here --- including some in the media --- who seem to believe that if it had been approved areas such as the Tampa Bay area would be next on the list. But I have some serious doubts on wheather that would fly.

First, central Floridans in general are slightly more conservative than our brethern in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. The churches hold much greater influence in this region, and will do everything in their power to defeat any such measure.

And, while I personally don't care if you want to play slots, poker, roulette, or any other game of chance, I don't trust the folks in Tallahassee. Remember that when the Lottery was approved it was supposed to ENHANCE and SUPPLEMENT the state's contribution to education. Instead, school districts are having to rely more and more on the Lottery money as the state's share to education has dropped steadily.

So while the local tracks and frontons may very well push for a level playing field with their Broward County counterparts --- and they will within 2-3 years --- it certainly will not be a given, and the road will very likely be steep.

UPDATE: Thanks to Mustang Bobby for reminding me that, thanks to federal law, whatever slots are allowed at the Broward County locations must also be allowed at the Native American casinos throughout the state...including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa and the Miccosukee Casino in Miami.