Broward County judge rules in favor of slots

Four pari-mutuel

facilities in Broward County, Florida, which includes Gulfstream Park, can install slot machines

on July 1, according to a ruling on Tuesday from Florida Circuit Court Judge

Leroy Moe. The judge said the pari-mutuel facilities can implement slot

machines without fear of being prosecuted.

The judge said the Legislature violated the intent of Amendment 4, which

passed on last November's ballot, allowing Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to

vote on whether or not to allow slot machines at existing pari-mutuel sites.

Voters in Broward County approved slot machines, but they were rejected in

Miami-Dade.

"We're very happy to see this ruling," said Richard Hancock, executive vice

president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA).

"Right now we can only speculate as to how the state will respond."

Magna and FTBOA are currently working on an agreement to supplement breeders'

awards, stallion awards and special racing awards with the revenue provided by

the slot machines.

"We feel confident a contract will be worked out with Magna," Hancock said.

"If we don't have an equitable contract worked out in the next couple of weeks, we'll have no alternative but to continue our efforts through the legislature or

the courts."