Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez statement regarding HB-155

(MIAMI, March 15, 2013) – I commend Florida State Representatives Carlos Trujillo of District 105 in Doral and Jimmy Patronis of District 6 in Panama City for taking a leadership role in jointly sponsoring House Bill HB-155 to establish a statewide ban on both internet cafes and “maquinitas.

I have held a long-standing position against these machines and as a County Commissioner introduced legislation to address this issue, including the creation of an Illegal Gaming Task Force. I believe that “maquinitas” have been behind the proliferation of illegal gaming operations, which are associated with organized crime. HB-155 makes it clear that these machines are illegal and will deter the continued growth of illegal activities in Miami-Dade County and throughout the State of Florida.

Note: “Maquinitas” are amusement games and/or machines that depart from the traditional definition of amusement games to also include casino-style games.