Welcome to

The first legislative hurdle for a bill that would allow the world’s largest casino to open in South Florida is fast approaching.

Today Senate President Mike Haridopolos told reporters he expected the regulated industries committee to vote on the gaming bill by the end of the month. He’s not promising the legislation will pass; he’s just asking senators to give it a chance.

“This is not going to be one in which I’m whipping votes or asking people or twisting votes to get people to vote in a certain direction. You are going to see Republicans and Democrats all over the board on this issue and I respect that, but what I would like to see is a vote,” said Haridopolos.

Opposition to the gaming bill is growing. Religious groups spoke out against it yesterday. Today the Florida Attractions Association, which represents theme parks, announced it will fight to make sure the gaming measure dies.