Judge Leroy Moe is back in the news today, with a promise to the pari-mutuals and their waiting slot machines. He basically said that if the state can’t get their act together and come up with a list of rules and regulations for the slot machines, then he will do it himself. The Broward County voters approved the slot machine initiative last March, and the judge says that by not coming up with the rules needed to run the machines that the government is violating the intent of the constitutional amendment.  

The governor’s office was taken aback by the judge’s comments and found it hard to believe that a judge would make such a remark. In a statement issued by Governor Jeb Bush’s office, they stated, “We find it highly unusual that the judge would rule from the bench at the first hearing on a case that is laden with such complex constitutional issues.” They said they could try to hold a special session dedicated to the slot machine issue, but that there was a lot to be covered. The main problems are not only bringing in the slot machines, but what type will be allowed, taxation rates, hours of operation, as well as how it affects the existing businesses that will be bringing in the slot machines. 

There is a group of opponents of the slot machines that have filed a lawsuit arguing that the pari-mutuals cannot bring in the slot machines until the rules and regulations have been determined. The group, No Casinos, is hoping to stall the influx of the slot machines into the state.

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