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On the eve of the 2012 legislative session, lawmakers are betting on a gaming expansion; stacking the deck with some major changes to the bill.

The old draft called for three resort casinos in South Florida. Senate Sponsor Ellyn Bogdanoff amended the bill to allow voters to decide on a county by county basis if they want a mega casino.

“There were a lot of people who shared concerns about some of the issues, specifically to allow the voters to have the last say before any type of change in gaming takes place in their community. We’ve added that provision to the bill which I think is a critical component,” said Bogdanoff.

Under the new plan, dog tracks and other pari-mutuel betting businesses would also be allowed to add Vegas-style games if voters approve. Still supporters of the bill, insist it’s not about expanding gaming, it’s about regulating it and creating jobs.

“I think it’s the one bill that the legislature will address that does create 100-thousand jobs. The potential for 100-thousand permanent high paying jobs,” said Senator Dennis Jones.

The senate president has promised a vote on the issue in his chamber. The gaming bill faces a tougher battle in the House. House Sponsor Erik Fresen says the changes will help.

“For me the most important thing was the creation of the gaming commission which has not changed and in matter of fact I think it got more beefed up as a result of some of her changes,” said Fresen.

For House members the bill offers tougher scrutiny of internet cafes and prevents any new pari-mutuel facilities from opening.