The state of Florida often markets itself as a family friendly destination, attracting millions every year to Orlando’s Walt Disney World. That image could change if Florida lawmakers allow predatory gambling giants like Genting, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn to bring commercial casinos to the state. The state’s tribal casinos oppose the idea because they don’t want the competition, but civic leaders and the Florida Chamber of Commerce fear the kind of economic development that casinos would bring. “The only reason they are even targeting Florida is that they are hopeful that desperate people will reach for desperate measures,” said Mark A. Wilson, the Chamber president. “There is never a good time to push a bad idea.”
