The state’s economists are looking into the revenue slot machines are expected to produce this year. Estimators are seeing lower numbers from some locations, including one in Flagler. Chief Economist Amy Baker says that change could be connected to Hurricane Matthew, but that’s not the only explanation.
“I think it had an effect, absolutely I agree. But the September coming in lower than estimated would have been August activity. There was no hurricane in August,” Baker said.
The group is reviewing the slot machines at pari-mutuels and casinos on a facility-by-facility basis. Estimators are working to predict how much tax revenue the state can expect from slot machines in an effort to get a better picture of the state’s income as lawmakers prepare to begin the next legislative session and create a budget.
