A proposal set to be taken up by the state legislature when it returns to session in the new year could allow three Vegas-style casinos to be built in the southern part of Florida.  While gambling industry lobbyists have been in Tallahassee for some time now trying to make sure the bill gets passed, some Florida lawmakers aren't so keen on the idea of passing the bill.

Enter State Senator John Thrasher (R-Jacksonville).  He says the bill is a bad idea for Florida not only in the year to come, but in the years ahead.

"My point is that we ought not be relying on that kind of revenue to balance the budget of the state of Florida."

And that's not the only thing he's worried about.

"Even though they say they're only going to be in the south Florida area, I promise you they will eventually creep their way up to the state of Florida."

Thrasher says Florida already thrives on being a place where people go for family-friendly tourism, and that we shouldn't be using gambling as an appeal for people to visit the state.  He says the gaming compact the state already has with the Seminole tribe brings in enough money.  Florida is set to receive $250,000,000 next year from that compact.