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Are slot machines at Miami airport a winning idea?
As someone who routinely gets to the airport incredibly early, I can attest that they are boring, uncomfortable places. It's rare to find free wi-fi, sufficient power sources or quality food. Basically, you sit there, read a book and tolerate the chaos. But, if you're traveling out of Miami International Airport, you may soon have a new activity while you're waiting for your flight: slot machines.USA Today is reporting that the Miami-Dade County commissioners voted 8-3 yesterday to allow slot machines at the airport. The devices would be located beyond security checkpoints and would potentially allow the county to recoup some of the money that the airport is hemorrhaging. At present, the operating cost of the airport is $600 million and could more than double in the next six years. The slots could provide a much-needed revenue stream.
Sure, more money will come into the airport and some gambling addicts will be able to pass the time while waiting for their flights (and you'll often be waiting for your delayed flight at Miami International), but do you really want to hear that racket? Between the PA announcements, screaming children and people yelling into their phones, the last thing any airport needs is more noise. But money talks and Miami-Dade County needs the help.
So, do slot machines belong in airports? Would you pass the time waiting for a flight by pulling the handle and letting it ride? Or would you rather listen to your iPod, read a book and try to tune out all that chaos? Let us know in the comments.
Gallery: 10 tourist destinations with a funny name
Photo from flickr user Jeff Kubina.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Bo Mullen Jul 2nd 2009 6:24AM
No different than Vegas, where they have slots in the airport, and in the airport rest rooms. Why Not!
Let it ride! Jul 2nd 2009 10:45AM
You don't go to an airport to rest up and hope for peace and quiet! You rest up once you reach your destination. In the meantime, throw a twenty or three into the slots and try your luck! You may win enough to pay for your flight! Besides - airports are noisy everywhere, so I'd welcome the sound of a ringing bell on a winning slot machine! It's softer on the ears than a screaming brat!
Nick Jul 2nd 2009 12:49PM
Great comment!! Should shut down the idiotic PA annoucements, put duct tape on the kids, and have a cell phone room for those addicted, just like the smokers room.
Keep the machines are qtr. machines, keep the volumne setting low, and grab the money. Could even get some from Muslims and illegals!
kathy Jul 2nd 2009 6:35AM
its a way to recoup some money w/o taxing, entertainment, and a distraction while waiting. I think it is a wonderful idea.
Jack Jul 21st 2009 4:09PM
Yes --dont wait ----The State of Minnesota should do this also --if your gonna have Gambling in the State then fine ---- but Government should NOT run the Gambling -The Government should just collect the Revenue off of it ----why should a few members of tribes get all the Revenue off of Gambling and pay practicle NOTHING in Taxes to the state??
Dee Dee Jul 2nd 2009 7:35AM
Gambling should be allowed in the whole state of Florida.
Not just Indian Casino, where there is no regulators.
Floridian's fly to Las Vegas to get a decent shot of winning anything
Gambling.
These Indian casinos in Florida are a rip off.
My fun money is spent in Las Vegas and Biloxi, where I can still
have fun if I lose.
JP Jul 2nd 2009 9:36AM
I agree. I used to fly to A.C. on Spirit. I live 1/2 hour away from Immokalee Casino. Rarely ever go there. The Indians are making so much money on these casinos. A lot of revenue being lost for the state.
shirley Jul 2nd 2009 7:47AM
They should have gambeling everywhere in florida..We don't all like going to the parks ! Casino's would bring in enough revenue that we wouldn't get taxed to death !
Dan Jul 2nd 2009 10:27AM
Get taxed to death? Florida has no income tax, one of the lowest property taxes in the nation, and average 6.5 to 7% sales tax. The republicans here wouldn't even raise the ciggarette tax before cutting funding for schools even further. Finally they raised the ciggarette tax when being faced with no other option.
You're crazy if you think living in this state has you being over taxed. Move to texas where you'll pay around 5% on your home owners tax. Move to Indiana where you'll pay State and Local income tax, higher property taxes etc.
bones Jul 2nd 2009 7:48AM
What a great idea.I think every airport should do this.Bring in money for the state.I dont think the noise would be any differant from how noisy the airport already is.
Steph Jul 2nd 2009 7:50AM
I dont fly that often, but when I do I am definately not interested in getting distracted. I learned pretty quickly that you have to listen for flight delays, and terminal switches. God forbid you miss the info and have to ask an airport employee nicely *where* a simple question, he or she will snap at you and/or ignore you. Then you have to run around the airport trying to figure it out yourself. Would be nice to be able to do something while waiting, but nope, I'd rather not miss the plane for gambling. I guess others will enjoy it though.
Ed Loper Jul 2nd 2009 8:04AM
Steph...do you have any idea how many times Airline employees are asked the same "simple" questions in a days time...people walk into the airport and all of a sudden they dont know how to read a sign....they leave their brain at the curb when they walk in the door.....as an Airline employee I dont mind helping people who need help...but people open your eyes and READ
Steph is nuts Jul 2nd 2009 10:48AM
Steph, if you are THAT easily distracted, you need psychological help.
Tamara Jul 2nd 2009 8:11AM
Yes, bring in the slot machines, not everyone wants to read in a noisi airport. Besides bringing in the revenue for the county, it's sort of fun for the people.
This is better than taxes, no fun there!!
Harry Jul 2nd 2009 8:11AM
Why not? It's a great idea. I travel a lot and am always bored at an airport. Now I would have something to do if I only traveled to and fron Miami. Too bad I always fly in and out of Fort Lauderdale!!!!!
Dave Gonzales Jul 2nd 2009 8:16AM
yes its totaly doable just see how vegas does it .i go there often. slot machines have volume controls that can be turned up or down. the newer ones operate coin free so you dont get the noise from falling coins in the pan. there are slot machine free areas if you want to be away from them. so yes it can be done .....
TweetyBird Jul 2nd 2009 8:20AM
This is just another thing that makes flying unpleasant. Fortunately, I have no need or plans to fly into Miami.
Alex Jewels Jul 2nd 2009 8:29AM
What's really bad about slot machines and the whole gambling thing is our seniors. Most seniors are very lonely into their late years, they live on a social security check which has lost value with inflation. These poor souls have found an intertainment that they can't afford. As bad as the economy is, these older folks are being bused to these casinos by the thousands, spending the few left over dollars at the casino and sometimes the dollars they need to pay there bills. This in turn creates a problem because we hear they can't afford their medicine, they don't get a good diet because food is to expensive, they can't afford clothing because they have nothing left over after paying their bills. Then we have really smart politicians who want to expand the availability of mahcines of misery. Now we want to create more gambling addicts. This tells you how much society is placing the value of money over the value of quality of life. It is corrupt to the core.
Go Granny Go! Jul 2nd 2009 10:52AM
I say, LET THE SENIORS SPEND EVERY DIME HAVING FUN!! Why should they not gamble and enjoy themselves? Their kids are probably waiting for them to keel over so they can reap up their inheritance. I tell my parents constantly to spend every dime, travel, enjoy and live life to its fullest! Leave this world penniless and enjoy your life! Tell your loser kids to fend for themselves!
Billy Jul 2nd 2009 8:34AM
While I am a gambler I don't agree with it being everywhere. As with everything if it is easily avalible it will be abused. Anyone who has been in a casino has seen people in there gambling who probably shouldn't be. They couldn't or wouldn't fly to Vegas but since it right down the road the go try to make money with there paycheck. The casino and cardrooms are making tons of money no doubt, but I say the majority of it isn't from the happy people going to blow a few bucks on the weekend. I see a real problem in the future with a huge spike in addictave gamblers and so called professional gamblers. I say gambling is fine but leave it in the mystic of Vegas.