Since the 60s, Miami has created an infamous reputation that has attracted jetsetters from across the globe. Washington and Collins avenues on South Beach, in addition to the recent bars that have been popping up inWynwood, become packed during holiday weekends with snow birds who trade frigid weather for Miami’s sultry beaches. The combination of the beaches, climate, cuisine, clubs, lounges, and culture in Miami have turned our beloved city into one of the most desirable destinations in the world.
The buzz around Miami these days’ surrounds a potential monumental shift in the way the city of Miami operates. If (and some say when) a bill is passed to approve gambling in Miami, Genting will be introducing Resorts World Miami, a mega-resort that would house a proposed 800,000 square foot casino, making it the largest casino venue in the United States. With this massive build out comes much more than just slot machines. Both citizens and local businesses have had a lot to say about the potential shift. Many are worried about the traffic issues that could arise and are convinced that a casino in the middle of Downtown Miami would likely create major congestion. Between the Adrienne Arsht Center, American Airlines Arena, the two museums under construction in Bicentennial Park, and what could be a massive casino, it is understandable why people are worried that the area will be flooded with too many people, and insufficient parking.
Many businesses in Miami are welcoming the change, but the Seminole Tribe of Florida (who currently has the largest gaming presence in Florida) will have nothing of the sort. The tribe has begun to lobby Tallahassee in an effort to prevent the bill from passing, and in turn, protecting their gambling “monopoly” in Florida.
The flip side of the argument comes from people who feel that the financial benefit that would be created far outweighs the negatives. Genting has said that the project will create approximately 100,000 permanent jobs and somewhere between $400-$600 million of annual tax revenues. Regardless of which side of the fence you may be on, it certainly sounds like Genting is “all in.”
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