But a bit of counter to LOL's argument - such things can be placed in other areas to boost tourism and development. It's not like Orlando need yet more traffic...
I agree...that is a goal as well...but they are often put in spots where they have a draw in place...
in new jersey...the state takes a flat (8 or i believe 9%) off the top of every dollar spent within the doors of the casino...no exceptions.
that money has built roads, paid for schools, fireman, cops, and departments/programs.
there is no denying the value.
In pennsylvania...they have tried to balance out where they placed them between "draw" and "redevelopment"
near pittsburgh - they put one right in the center of town next to the football and baseball stadiums...not exactly out in the boondocks.
they also put one at a racetrack that already had a good crowd 30 miles to the south.
in philly - they put one (sugarhouse) thats in the abandoned dock district in the center of town. they also put one a mile from the philly airport. they put one at a racetrack north of the city smack in the suburbs. Another is supposed to be built in south philly near some of the most popular tourist and nightlife spots - but has been tied up with red tape.
The poconos has one...ski draw. there's one an hour from harrisburg in god's country...
There are dueling agendas.
if florida does not put one near orlando...they are fools.
disney will whine...but they also will whine for more freebies as they always do...and florida knows where disney is at.
they aren't building 3 more parks and hiring 100,000 more people...or building 100,000 more traditional rooms that will generate resort tax...construction jobs and money generated will never reach their 1990s levels again. It's not even feasible.
they will give the state lots of money as they always have...but they are losing their ability to strong-arm policy. Its not like they are going to shut down or move...and they will not invest 10 or 100s of billions in central florida for what will be diminishing returns to them.
