Broward Pari-Mutual Casinos have been pushing for full blackjack since the Seminole Tribe started offering it at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood.  It's a popular table game and could be taking away customers from the taxable pari-mutuals.  While that is still up for debate (the Hard Rock is quite the entertainment complex), many feel that the 'racinos' need blackjack in order to compete...along with a lower tax rate for capital improvements. 

While the Seminole Gaming Compact is still 'up in the air' (allowing Seminoles blackjack exclusivity in exchange for some revenue sharing)...the Gulfstream Casino, Mardi Gras Gaming and Casino and The Isle have been granted the opportunity to offer 'Virtual Blackjack'.  It's a 'table' with a video screen of a 'dealer'.  You sit at the table with other people just like you do with regular blackjack.  The 'virtual' dealer hands out cards and you press buttons to bet.  The 'dealer' also asks you if you want to stand, hit or double down.  The cards are determined by an automatic number generator and you are actually playing 'one on one' in sorts....which is actually very much a slot machine plays. 

While you are playing at a table with others...there is no intimidation due to a lack of skill.  You know...making a wrong move and messing up the whole table.  So some of you might actually like this method of play.  It can give you some of the same feelings as regular blackjack if you have a fun group.  While you don't have 'chips' to play with...you don't have to tip the dealer (since she's a video recording).  I saw these all over Las Vegas casinos on the strip in July and every one of them was packed.  Everyone seemed to love them.

I still don't understand what the big deal is.  We've come this far already...what's a few more games?  Full gaming can allow for some great revenue opportunity and competition for the few casinos we have.  Cut the tax rate to allow pari-mutuals the opportunity to improve their facilities so everyone is on the same playing ground.  These casinos could be more than just a local draw.  Without a hotel and entertainment compiles, The Isle, Mardi Gras and Gulfstream will stay at the same level they are now.  Crime hasn't gone out of control since they opened.  Sure, there was that horrible home invasion recently...but that can happen after you go to the bank as well.