Washington County Slot Machine Question (January 2012)

A Washington County Slot Machine Question was on the January 31, 2012 ballot in Washington County.

This measure was approved

• YES 3,792 (57.24%)a
• NO 2,832 (42.75%)

This measure sought to allow slot machines at the pari-mutuel greyhound park facility which is in the city of Ebro. Even though this measure got approved, it is unlikely slots will be allowed at the facility because Attorney General Pam Bondi gave the opinion that the "Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering cannot issue a slot machine license to a pari-mutuel facility if a countywide referendum is held without first receiving approval through action by the Legislature or through a change of the constitution." Though the current owner of the park discussed the situation with his lawyer who does not agree with the Attorney General's statement, the issue was still on the ballot and a license would be sought after the measure gained approval. In a further statement, the Florida Attorney General said that the law only permits slots to be in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the department which would issue a license for gambling for the counties, had stated that it would follow the Attorney General and not issue a license if this measure is approved.

Text of measure

The question on the ballot:

	Shall slot machines be approved for use at the pari-mutuel greyhound park facility in Ebro, Florida?