Brevard County, Fla. — Betting on horses and cards at the Melbourne Greyhound Track could be overtaken by slot machines if voters in Brevard County approve a referendum on the
ballot next month.
The racetrack is gambling voters will approve the measure and allow them to build a brand-new, multilevel entertainment complex filled with more than 2,000 slot machines.
"We are talking about a lot of slot machines. We're talking about a new entertainment center that ought to bring people to Brevard," Patrick Biddix said.
A political action committee funded by $215,000 in contributions from the track is encouraging voters to pass the referendum with claims it will bring as many as 500 new jobs.
The general manager says that figure is conservative when you consider the 3,000 people the Hardrock Casino near Tampa employs.
"This will be a 24/7 operation. We're talking about a lot of poker dealers," Biddix said.
He added the new facility will also have to hire dozens of cashiers, bartenders and security guards.
But some voters, like Brevard County resident YvonneMorton, don't agree with the referendum. She said she doesn't believe in gambling and doesn't believe jobs from gambling are what the region needs.
"I work too hard for my money, so I don't go to the dog track," Morton said.
Track operators are hoping the lure of extra tax revenue for the region will also sway voters to give them a chance. Each slot machine costs $1,000 a year to license with the state. The state stands to collect almost $2 million a year from the slot licensing alone.
WFTV
