Miami City Commission moves to ban gambling, with a few exceptions
Miami commissioners have moved to ban new gambling establishments inside city limits, the latest fallout from a years-long fight over a new gaming establishment in Edgewater that was recently resolved with a legal settlement.
A majority of commissioners voted on Thursday to tweak Miami’s zoning code to ban any gambling facilities that aren’t already planned or in operation. Two commissioners, Manolo Reyes and Alex Díaz de la Portilla, voted no. A final commission vote is required at a future meeting to make the proposal city law.
The ban would not shut down existing gaming facilities. Casino Miami, Magic City Casino and a planned gaming establishment to be operated by Magic City’s owners, West Flagler Associates, would still be allowed to operate.
Commissioners gave an initial nod to the ordinance seven months after ending a legal battle with Magic City Casino, operated by the Havenick family. Magic City was fighting to open a card room and jai-alai fronton in Edgewater. The settlement ended years of litigation that stemmed from plans to open a gaming business at 3050 Biscayne Boulevard inside a larger complex to be developed by Russell Galbut’s Miami-based firm Crescent Heights.
The Edgewater gambling den sparked outrage among powerful cultural and political figures who adamantly oppose gambling in South Florida, while pro-gaming interests and Magic City workers complained that the city had unfairly made it harder to get zoning approvals in an effort to specifically derail the Edgewater business.
After much behind-the-scenes lobbying, a prolonged court battle and a mayoral veto, the city and Magic City settled in March.
This story was originally published October 28, 2021 at 7:50 PM.
