Bill Lupfer: Casinos a bad bet for state's family-friendly reputation
Florida is envied around the world. Don't just take my word for it. Recent headlines have quantified our state's stellar reputation.
In 2013, Florida's population surged to 19.5 million, set to overtake New York as the nation's third most-populous state. And last year a record 94.7 million tourists visited Florida, a jump of 3.5 percent from 2012. They came here to experience what some natives take for granted.
No one takes for granted that 1.1 million Floridians worked in direct travel-related jobs in 2012. Our tourism industry understands we set the standard for the world in high-quality attractions that our family-friendly Florida brand means something to visitors, a priceless asset which can't be quantified.
Florida has a reputation. So do Las Vegas and Nevada. Other states might be willing or eager for casinos. Florida is not, and does not have to be. We know that even one new casino in South Florida would not be compatible with our brand. So, as lobbyists for "destination casinos" knock on doors in Tallahassee, ask them about Las Vegas.
Last year, visitors to Las Vegas were down to 39.6 million. In 2013, Nevada led the nation in unemployment for eight out of 12 months. Jobs in Las Vegas casinos were down last year, and casino employment in the rest of Nevada was down 43 percent from 2000. Even business at the state's bordellos is down.
Why would any state envy Las Vegas or Nevada?
Our family-friendly reputation is not confined to any particular region of the state. Our association is a cross-section of tourist attractions throughout Florida. Amusement parks, theme parks, state parks, historic sites, tour operators, outdoor recreation operators, museums, aquariums, gardens, agri-tourism sites, and much more are among our members.
Half of our members are privately-held companies – many of them we affectionately call "mom and pop" attractions. Another 30 percent are non-profit community-supported cultural, historic and heritage attractions. Big or small, mom or pop, casinos will prey upon them.
Casinos destroy jobs by giving away things that are the bread and butter for many longstanding Florida businesses — things like "comp" meals and hotel stays.
Atlantic City's situation can never be hammered home enough: A year after casinos made their debut, 40 percent of restaurants closed, and a third of retailers were shuttered. Jobs disappeared.
To put Florida's record-breaking year for tourism in perspective, Gov. Rick Scott said, "Every 85 visitors to Florida equals one job in our state – and it is clear that more visitors to the Sunshine State means more jobs for Florida families."
As the Legislature's Spectrum Gaming Group's report said, casinos would have only a minimal economic impact on Florida, that less than 5 percent of the patrons to casinos would be tourists.
Three times Florida voters have rejected gambling-expansion proposals, but out-of-state casinos refuse to take "no" for an answer. Today in Tallahassee, casinos are back, with legislation that would pave the way for Las Vegas-style casinos and expanded gambling in our state, risking Floridians' lifestyle and livelihood.
Instead of making things easier for out-of-state casinos, legislators should tighten Florida laws and regulations to stop the spread of gambling.
Florida is used to pitches and promises. And from the history of the casino industry here and in other states, we know casinos under-deliver on promises and over-deliver on social and economic costs.
Family-friendly Florida tourism is the economic engine driving Florida's robust economy. Our tourism doesn't promise results – it delivers results every day. No brag, just fact.
Bill Lupfer is president and CEO of Florida Attractions Association.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-oped-gambling-association-of-attractions-20140325,0,1026567.story
In 2013, Florida's population surged to 19.5 million, set to overtake New York as the nation's third most-populous state. And last year a record 94.7 million tourists visited Florida, a jump of 3.5 percent from 2012. They came here to experience what some natives take for granted.
No one takes for granted that 1.1 million Floridians worked in direct travel-related jobs in 2012. Our tourism industry understands we set the standard for the world in high-quality attractions that our family-friendly Florida brand means something to visitors, a priceless asset which can't be quantified.
Last year, visitors to Las Vegas were down to 39.6 million. In 2013, Nevada led the nation in unemployment for eight out of 12 months. Jobs in Las Vegas casinos were down last year, and casino employment in the rest of Nevada was down 43 percent from 2000. Even business at the state's bordellos is down.
Why would any state envy Las Vegas or Nevada?
Our family-friendly reputation is not confined to any particular region of the state. Our association is a cross-section of tourist attractions throughout Florida. Amusement parks, theme parks, state parks, historic sites, tour operators, outdoor recreation operators, museums, aquariums, gardens, agri-tourism sites, and much more are among our members.
Half of our members are privately-held companies – many of them we affectionately call "mom and pop" attractions. Another 30 percent are non-profit community-supported cultural, historic and heritage attractions. Big or small, mom or pop, casinos will prey upon them.
Casinos destroy jobs by giving away things that are the bread and butter for many longstanding Florida businesses — things like "comp" meals and hotel stays.
Atlantic City's situation can never be hammered home enough: A year after casinos made their debut, 40 percent of restaurants closed, and a third of retailers were shuttered. Jobs disappeared.
To put Florida's record-breaking year for tourism in perspective, Gov. Rick Scott said, "Every 85 visitors to Florida equals one job in our state – and it is clear that more visitors to the Sunshine State means more jobs for Florida families."
As the Legislature's Spectrum Gaming Group's report said, casinos would have only a minimal economic impact on Florida, that less than 5 percent of the patrons to casinos would be tourists.
Three times Florida voters have rejected gambling-expansion proposals, but out-of-state casinos refuse to take "no" for an answer. Today in Tallahassee, casinos are back, with legislation that would pave the way for Las Vegas-style casinos and expanded gambling in our state, risking Floridians' lifestyle and livelihood.
Instead of making things easier for out-of-state casinos, legislators should tighten Florida laws and regulations to stop the spread of gambling.
Florida is used to pitches and promises. And from the history of the casino industry here and in other states, we know casinos under-deliver on promises and over-deliver on social and economic costs.
Family-friendly Florida tourism is the economic engine driving Florida's robust economy. Our tourism doesn't promise results – it delivers results every day. No brag, just fact.
Bill Lupfer is president and CEO of Florida Attractions Association.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-oped-gambling-association-of-attractions-20140325,0,1026567.story
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