Robaina Wants Slot Machines For Hialeah Park

On October 14th, 2007, Julio Robaina has vowed to stand against the January 2008 ballot that would decide on whether or not to allow the three pari-mutuels in Miami-Dade to offer slot machines unless the Hialeah Park is re-opened for business with new horse racing events and slot machines.

According to a constitution amendment back in 2004, only the pari-mutuels that had horse racing or different gambling games for about two year before the constitution amendment can open the casinos for business. Hialeah Park, which closed down in 2001, did not have the opportunity.

Robaina said that he wants to have Hialeah Park be treated like any other pari-mutuel facilities in the state. He also wants his community to benefit from the job opportunities and the profits from the slot machines. But Robaina's slot plan may not be given enough time.

The legislation would have to allow the restoration of the horse racing dates of Hialeah Park. If they failed to discuss the matter during a special meeting before the voters vote on the referendum on January 29th, 2008 on whether or not to allow Las Vegas style slot machines at Miami-Dade County's pari-mutuels, Hialeah Park will be left out in the cold.

Monday, 05 November 2007
Theo Evans