Although he previously rejected the idea of expanding gambling in Florida, Governor Rick Scott seems to have changed his mind on the subject, based on his encounter with Las Vegas Sands CEO and Chairman Sheldon Adelson. Las Vegas Sands is one of the casino operators urging Florida to allow casino gambling in the state.

“I don’t want Florida to become largely dependent on gaming for revenue,” the Governor said during his first press conference. He also highlighted the fact that Florida already allows gambling with a state lottery and seven gambling facilities run by the Seminole Indian Tribe, which own the luxurious Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Horse racing betting and betting in dog tracks are also allowed.

Last year, former Governor Crist expended gaming in Florida by a new law that allowed the Seminole tribe to offer blackjack games and baccarat games at five of their seven gaming venues. Besides, Seminole casinos can offers slot machine games and pari-mutuels can offer no limit poker games in card rooms.

Florida currently has a $3.5 billion budget gap and since the new Governor intends to create 700,000 new jobs in seven years, it seems that casino expansioncould be a good solution. Apparently, Las Vegas Sands Corp. is willing to invest a good sum of money to build a big casino resort in Florida.