On Wednesday...a state Senate committee approved a bill that would expand Class II Slots (the 'bingo' type slots the Seminoles have had for years) to ALL Florida race tracks and jai-alai facilities.  If fully approved, they are estimating about $350 million in additional tax revenue per year for schools.  While the bill flew by the Senate...it probably won't make it far in the House or even Gov. Crist.  There are also concerns that these types of machines might allow the Seminoles to stop payments to the state under the 'escape clause' on the new Gaming Compact.  Of course it's not known if Class II slots are included in the clause.

One additional benefit the Class II facilities would have over the Class III in Broward and [soon] Miami-Dade, is a reduced tax rate.  Currently the Class III slots are taxed at a 50% rate, while the Class II slots would be taxed at only 35%. 

It should be an interesting year.  The validity of the Seminole Compact is being decided by the state supreme court, Miami-Dade will be getting Class III slots, the Seminole's could see Blackjack, the challenging of the real estate tax Amendment 1, the elections in the Fall.  Get your score cards out!