Las Vegas casino company Boyd Gaming and NHL Panthers parent company Sunrise Sports & Entertainment (SSE) have partnered "in an attempt to bring casino gambling" to South Florida, according to Nick Sortal of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. At present, neither Boyd nor SSE "have the legal right to offer gambling on or around the BankAtlantic Center." But legislators last year “discussed approving large destination casinos in Florida, and Boyd could bid for one of three operating licenses.” Boyd also "could attempt to transfer its pari-mutuel license that it currently holds for Dania Jai-Alai." Either move "will require legislative approval." Panthers President & CEO Michael Yormark said, "When you think about premier locations in South Florida, we're sitting on one." Yormark said that the NHL “has OK'd the opening of a casino next to a professional team, but he acknowledged it will be awhile before a shovel goes into the ground.” Yormark: "It's the first step in a long process. But we're confident we have the right plan and the right strategy." Details such as the “size of the hotel and casino amenities would depend on what the Legislature would approve, but the 90-acre BankAtlantic Center property has plenty of room.” It would be the “only casino in west Broward County." Boyd Gaming President & CEO Keith Smith said that depending on the state's actions, the company “could either sell or expand Dania Jai-Alai” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 7/25).
