Hialeah Park won a big legal victory in Tallahassee on Friday as the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the legendary track could install slot machines.
"I think it’s the righting of a wrong," said Hialeah Park Chairman John Brunetti Sr. "The slots referendum should never have excluded us. (The ruling) makes me feel good."
Three Miami-Dade pari-mutuels had sued to prevent Hialeah Park from getting slots, arguing that Hialeah's racing permit was not in use when Miami-Dade voters approved slots at pari-mutuels in 2009.
The Supreme Court ruled not only could Hialeah Park install slots, but that the Legislature can authorize slot machines anywhere in the state. Voters in affected counties would have to approve their installation by referendum.
"This really does open the door to slots anywhere in the state," said Dan Adkins, president of Mardi Gras Casino in Hollywood.
He pointed out, however, that the spread of slots beyond Miami-Dade and Broward would probably invalidate the state's compact with Indian tribes, causing an end to payments of about $250 million a year.