Boyd Gaming to Put Slots in South Florida

With the recent approval to allow slot machines in South Florida, gaming operators and slots manufacturers have been keeping a close eye on the Florida gambling scene.  One of these companies is Las Vegas based casino operator, Boyd Gaming Corp., who recently made a move to buyout a Fort Lauderdale Jai Alai fronton which was one of four gaming sites to be permitted to house up to 1,500 slot machines each.

Not only did Boyd make the move, but Dania Jai Alai accepted, taking a generous $152.5 million to the bank.  Dania Jai Alai sits upon fifty acres, and is next to the Broward County Convention Center.  It is also in close proximity to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.  Considering the land and locale, Boyd is making plans to expand the site, which would include a larger gambling floor with slot machines, a larger poker room, new restaurants and entertainment facilities.  With no budget revealed, South Florida residents can expect to see a completely transformed property.  Construction will begin in early 2007, and should be completed in a years time.  In the meantime, betting on Jai Alai and off-track events will take place as usual.

And while final regulations still need to be approved on the bill that Governor Jeb Bush reluctantly signed into law, it is possible that Boyd will be allowed to construct a temporary slots casino.  However, even if this were to be permitted, Boyd management said they would not do so, but would rather put their resources into the expansion they have already begun plotting out.  And despite the chance that Florida may get up to 50% of all gambling revenue brought in by the slot machines, Boyd says this will not offset them, considering the limited number of licenses being issued, and the high population density in South Florida.

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