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At its meeting on October 19, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Partnership passed a Resolution to support the efforts of "No (More) Casinos in Florida," by supporting legislative efforts to close the loophole allowing "Internet Gambling Cafés" to exist throughout Florida.
 
Committed to building on Central Florida’s rich history in agriculture, hospitality, tourism and conventions, the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Partnership supports the diversity and richness of our region today with the addition of centers of excellence in healthcare, entrepreneurship, aerospace, and modeling, simulation & training.

In support of its ongoing work around thoughtful consideration of the challenges faced by individuals, families and businesses during the current economic downturn and skyrocketing unemployment, the Central Florida Partnership provides advocacy and support of specific strategic Regional Priorities that will help advance our journey to economic prosperity.

Understanding that Florida voters have, on three separate occasions, rejected the legalization of high-stakes casino gambling in Florida, the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Partnership also understands that multiple studies reveal that, when introduced into developed tourism economies, casino gambling has devastating effects on established local businesses.  This fact was proven in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where 40 percent of local restaurants and one third of the local retail establishments closed following the introduction of casino gambling.

High-stakes casino gambling is demonstrably linked to higher social costs, including the cost of regulation, the cost of crime, the cost of additional law enforcement, and the cost of treatment for addicted gamblers.  Given the fact that the Florida Legislature will soon consider legislation to expand gambling in Florida, it is important to note that Florida’s history with gambling demonstrates its natural tendency to expand to new areas once introduced.

It is for these reasons that the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Partnership voted unanimously to support the efforts of "No (More) Casinos in Florida," by opposing the expansion of gambling in Florida, by opposing legislation that would legalize so-called "Destination Casinos" in Florida, and by supporting legislative efforts to close the loophole allowing "Internet Gambling Cafés" to exist throughout Florida.

Support the efforts to stop the massive expansion of gambling in Florida.

Your state legislators-in the Florida House and the Florida Senate-need to hear from you! Some of the best ways to get involved are to look out for periodic e-mail updates, visit the Volunteer Center online, and "like" the "No Casinos" Facebook page so that you can join the conversation and begin sharing information with your friends, family members and colleagues.

If you have questions, comments or ideas, please feel free to e-mail info@nocasinos.org.

Central Florida Partnership - Ideas to Results
The Central Florida Partnership is a collaborative of business and civic leaders committed to procuring a better tomorrow for Central Florida's seven counties - Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia. We are thoughtful leaders united by a single, guiding principle - that we have both the power and the responsibility to make change happen.

Working together, through four lines of business – Orlando, Inc. (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Regional Public Policy Advocacy), myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves) and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership) – the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."

About the Central Florida Partnership
Click here to learn more about the Central Florida Partnership.
Click here for the Central Florida Partnership Board of Directors.