Seminole Gaming Executive Predicts South Beach Casinos Coming

James Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, says casino gambling is inevitably headed for Florida beaches down the road.

While Florida lawmakers have just reached a hard-fought compromise on slightly expanding gambling in the state beyond the status quo, one gaming expert foresees a much broader gambling scene in the state's future. James Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, says casino gambling is inevitably headed for Florida beaches down the road.

Allen, speaking at a panel discussion on gambling sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Broward County, said that ''there will be legalized gambling in South Beach in the next 10 years."

Allen specifically commented on the Fontainebleau Hotel, often the subject of speculation when Miami casinos are discussed, asserting that the famed hotel is 'built for gambling.''

Rumors of casino gambling coming to the ultra-chic area around South Beach have floated for years. Developers have proposals, both leaked publicly and hidden away, waiting for a change in law that would allow the creation of a gambling zone in South Florida.

And gaming industry insiders say that Miami, with its beaches, warm weather, and multinational culture and population, could succeed as a casino locale far beyond Las Vegas' potential.

But political infighting and staunch opposition to gambling in the northern, more conservative part of the state have made changing laws to accommodate casinos problematic. Just getting approval for the fait accompli of blackjack at Seminole casinos required over a year of politicking and debating.

Further, Allen notes that existing gaming operators, including the owners of racinos and the Seminole Tribe, are certain to lobby against losing the exclusivity they presently enjoy.