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03/02/2012 12:07:00 AM
What city do you live in? Miami has plenty of gambling, in fact Magic Casino, the Micosukee Casino, JaiAlai and Hard Rock Cafe. Don't think about all the negative effects of casinos but instead think of all the job creation which we desperately need.
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03/02/2012 12:05:00 AM
I'm sure that this casino will offer jobs to a lot of people living in the vicinity who would otherwise be on welfare and collecting food stamps. They did away with factories and electronic companies which were operating in the Hialeah/Miami Lakes areas for ages, now we need jobs. The average Joe here doesn't care what happens to Joe Stone's Crabs or to Club Mansion, in fact we do not even know what these places are but we need jobs in order to keep our families fed. 4,000 jobs in exchange for a few restaurants, I'll take you up on that anyday.
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10/21/2011 12:16:00 PM
So Miami's future should be left up to Luther Campbell the 2 Live Crew dude who once threatened University of Miami unless they made a certain Black guy Quarterback, I think his name was Ryan Collins ? He's upset because business will be taken away from the Mansion ?
He claims that if he were mayor he would tell Genting no thanks ? This is a joke right ?
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delli 10/19/2011 4:21:00 PM
And the problem is???
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Short 10/14/2011 7:50:00 PM
Are you serious? Tourists come to Miami for the beaches, the weather, the nightlife and last for the attractions. I hope casinos come our way, it will bring another kind of market to Miami. The hotel in downtown will increase their occupancy while displacing some of the business to Miami Beach and some hopefully to Ft.Lauderdale(they need it). So while the casino managers jobs might go to transplants from other cities, the hotels will be growing their business not only for sweepers but for management and everyone in Miami benefits.
Half the places that he mentions are packed and overpriced places that regular Miami folk don't frequent to often, having more of a choice of places might actually let us locals enjoy what only tourist or the snowbirds enjoy.
Also we are already the most violent city in the US, I don't think gambling will make that much worse.
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10/14/2011 3:00:00 AM
Why aren't any of businesses in Miami revolting about this plan? By this going in place it would suck the life of everything. Plus is this really what we want to bring to Miami, gamblers? Don't we have enough stuff to worry about to bring all the negative effects of gambling?
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10/13/2011 2:04:00 PM
They really wanted to kill Miami Beach.
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10/13/2011 4:24:00 AM
Maybe this will force the greedy landlords on the beach to lower the rents for a change !!!!
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10/12/2011 11:27:00 PM
"Genting casino will kill Miami"? You can't kill something that's been dead a long time.
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Alberto5722 10/12/2011 9:21:00 AM
If having Casinos in South Florida, but mostly in Miami, depends on give a Big Piece of the Cake to those lazy old men and women in Tallahassee that for years have been doing everything in the their power to block all good ideas to create jobs and give more beauty and value to our cities. Forget it. No way José! People most realize that Floridians, mostly from Okeechobee Lake north never supports Miami for anything. Even on the sports they always support teams from other states when they are facing Miami teams. So now they want to get something from those that they not even support. Come on! Give me a break!
But I have an idea. I propose to create a New State (Number 51) composed from all THOSE counties to the north of Hillsborough County, Polk County, Orange County and Brevard County, which must be named TALLAHASSEE STATE. SO WE IN THE SOUTH STAY AS FLORIDA, totally separated from those DREAM STEALERS.
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Susan Breed 10/04/2011 10:04:00 PM
The Genting resort is going to link the performing arts center an the entire downtown Miami waterfront with a connected baywalk. There is no way this could happen without the casino taking over the Herald site. It will be tragic if the politicians screw this up for all of us who live and need to work in Miami.
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09/28/2011 9:41:00 AM
Don't worry Miami-ans, Casinos will not come to Miami. Tallahassee insist in getting a lump of the profits,between Genting,Miami and Tallahassee asking for a piece of the action there isn't enough profits to go around,only if Tallahassee drop their demands will there be any casino or casinos.We trust the politicians up north to keep their part of this laws that exist today. Furthermore we trust you not to change this laws.We South Floridians know you are above any corruption for monetary gains.Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
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09/27/2011 9:15:00 AM
It is people like the writer who will ensure that investors shun America. Even American companies are going overseas with attitudes like these. Genting is not a behemoth that will suck the life out of Miami. Wherever Genting sets up shop, it has always been eco-friendly and adds tons of jobs to the place. It had used its profits to fund and support local arts, culture and heritage. It funds security in such a way that down and out crime areas become safer. Their resorts are very family-friendly. So far they haven't killed any local businesses in places they have set up shop. Why is the writer so adamant that Miami remain a crime-prone under-developed boondock?
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Watercalms 09/27/2011 7:09:00 AM
Wow you have awful English grammar. We have many in Dade who are fluent in 2 languages. English and a plethora of other languages besides Spanish.
Please stop seeming to imply Spanish must be spoken. Listen and you will hear other amazing countries represented.
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Watercalms 09/27/2011 7:00:00 AM
The rich history of The Miami Herald, where will it go?! This is so sad. There is a deep dock big enough in back for large ships to port into. Wonder if Genting realized that too. Will there No longer be a newspaper in Miami? Sad day.
This is not a good idea. Let them go to another area.
I feel Las Vegas is very family oriented now, and do not believe all are will only do manual labor or be prostitutes! They will need professionals to help in the offices, etc. But as one prior wrote qualifications must be met. Say good accountants, great chefs.
Thank you,
Food for thought.
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09/27/2011 3:24:00 AM
This article has been here for over a week and only around 10 comments are published. It means Miami wants to GAMBLE.
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09/27/2011 3:22:00 AM
Spanish is not the primary language on Dade County?. Being able to speak twoo languages is call BETTER CULTURE.
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09/27/2011 3:13:00 AM
Article has a valid point. In America, Asian company owns YOU! Welcome to the future. They got the cash, and we don't. Money talks, that's the new american way.
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09/27/2011 2:23:00 AM
Miami has been in trouble ever since Spanish became the primary language of Dade County. The Miami Beach of of the 50's and 60's is gone. I no longer feel like Miami is my home.
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09/27/2011 2:17:00 AM
How can people be so narrow minded than to think that this project this big will not bring new tourism to Miami. Our MB convention center is a joke compared to most major cities and being the major Port City and Gateway to Latin America it is unconceivable that this city has gone this long without anyone making this type of investment. We have a great climate all year round and beautiful beaches throughout SoFLo that can rival any major city and a multicultural community that will welcome people openly from any part of the world. Add more hotel rooms, casinos and 1st class entertainment and it will draw more national and multinational conventions this city hasn't been able to host in the past.
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09/26/2011 9:07:00 PM
GOD WILL JUDGE US ALSO.
AS A CONSERVATIVE AMERICAN CUBAN DESCENDENT, IF WE ALLOW THIS IN MIAMI OUR CHILDREN WILL BECOME PROSTITUTES OF THIS COMMUNIST OWNED HOTEL EMPIRE, YES THE FOUNDER OF THIS GROUP OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA IS A COMMUNIST. THIS WILL ENSLAVE OUR CHILDREN INTO THE ONLY JOBS THEY WILL EVER SEE. PROSTITUTION, POVERTY, CLEANING FLOORS, MAKING BEDS ETC AS ALL THE HIGH POSITIONS WILL BE IMPORTED. MIAMI'S BEAUTY IS BEACHES, THE LIFE STYLE NOT THE MASS TRANSPORTATION, BUILDINGS. IN MIAMI OUR PERSEVERANCE, INTELLECT AND EDUCATION HAVE MADE MIAMI OUR HOME AND IF WE ALLOW THIS WE WELCOME THE CONTRACT OF WHICH CONSTITUTES AN INCREASE IN CRIME, POVERTY AND MOST OF ALL CONTINUED TO THE HIGHEST DEGREE., POLITICAL CORRUPTION AT ITS FINEST.BLESS YOU ALL AND DO NOT MAKE OUR CHILDREN AND OUR BEAUTIFUL MIAMI THE TRASH THAT VEGAS HAS BECOME.
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09/26/2011 8:24:00 PM
Miami is already in trouble and it got here long before Genting. In fact I'm more concerned about how this will effect the Indians gaming. The competition has to be comparable to Vegas & Atlantic City in terms of freebies to lure gamblers in. I believe the lottery people now have a genuine concern too. Who knows though, maybe all those that feign poverty will not show up with enough to make everything successful ? LOL, even the Marlins in their new stadium ?
Just me, but I think Uncle Luke has forgotten how the gambling industry does this in Vegas & Atlantic City. They'll feed you, maybe even give you a bed to sleep in, Just as long as you lose your money at the tables every night ?
Oh yeah, Miamians will sweeo the floors, do laundry & clean, that's unless they are competitive for the better jobs. that's how it usually works, no entitlements.
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09/26/2011 6:18:00 PM
People don't even have to leave the fountain bleu....and they don't. People don't leave atlantis when they go to Bahamas, they stay right there at the resort. The bahamian people barley see any of the money from tourism, it all goes back to the wealthy corporations who built the damn thing.
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09/26/2011 6:16:00 PM
There goes the damn Neighborhood, now we're going to have 1,000,000 chinos all over Miami. We have enough beach bums, we have enough bad habits to destroy an army and enough culture to melt pot. We don't need it, these big compaines will destroy Miami's nightlife, God knows there's enough traffic already as well. Notice how all the positive comments are very generic, thats all corporate b/s. Hopefully Miami's corruption steps up to the plate and keeps what they've been able to hold onto, no need to share the city with it's new newspaper too! Fuk you AL, Fred, and Bill, I'm sure you're typing from the other side of the world, everyone knows the majority of money from foreign resorts goes back to the country it came from. The Bahamas gets very little money from Club Med ....duhhh
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09/26/2011 5:41:00 PM
OK, great! and bring craps tables with you LUKE!!!!
Don B. Delray Beach
ezbridge@comcast.net
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09/26/2011 5:41:00 PM
I am for it, thats the beauty about capitalism and entrepreneurship.
If your product is better than theirs there is no reason to fear, but if you are less competitive you are bound to share the same faith Pan am, Chalks and other business that disappeared.
Welcome to "the new and improved" Miami.
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Christianberke80 09/26/2011 2:18:00 PM
Well said Fred. People will not want to be isolated in a Casino - especially not in a city with as many beautiful beaches as Miami. The Genting Group has a long history of investing and working with business communities. While this may be a Destination resort, it will be destination Miamia
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09/26/2011 2:07:00 PM
Getting casinos would be great for our economy. It creates jobs, tourism and helps out other buisnesses in the area. I have never gone to Vegas and just stayed at the resort. We explore the town. Everybody wins. Why should the Indians get all the revenue. Maybe a little competition would be good. I think their slot payouts are very low. When people come down here they usually try and hit all the touristy and local favorites. Orlando would benefit. It's a win, win for us. As far as getting dealers from other places we would have dealer schools open up here to train locals to be dealers. Right now any jobs are a blessing.
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09/26/2011 12:34:00 PM
My guess is Luther voted for Brilliant Barry. Let's see, don't create thousands of jobs in Miami by building casinos. Don't let AT&T buy T-Mobile and move thousands of jobs from Germany to the USA. Don't sell new jets to Taiwan and create thousands of manufacturing jobs. Get a clue Luther, casino-centric folks don't go to South Beach, Ocean Drive or the Zoo, new casinos will bring thousands of jobs to Miami. On the other hand if we want to keep tens of thousands of south Floridians on the dole, do what Barry and Luther tell you to.
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09/26/2011 12:26:00 PM
Miami-ans will not be the full core customer base of the casino, remember we are a hub for tourist. Yes they will go there, but they will still visit south beach and other locations. Example I have been to Vegas over the past 20 years and every time I have taken a new visitor with me we make the trip to Hoover Dam and in many occasions we head out to the Rockies .. So don't be afraid of the big black wolf ..
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09/26/2011 11:14:00 AM
We have been down this road before and have not accomplished anything,if we want casinos here we must give Tallahassee revenue shares which we are not going to do. Its just something for the media to catch our attention by creating a controversy.
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Poppyc77 09/26/2011 9:31:00 AM
WoW, Good Job Luke, let me quote you here,
" Miamians will get hired to sweep the floors, change the sheets, and serve the food. We don't have a workforce experienced in manning gambling tables and managing the casino floor. Genting has to bring those people in from places that have a gambling industry, like Vegas, the Bahamas, or Singapore, where the company already has major casino resorts."
There are much more jobs than that to run a casino Luke, you speak out of ignorance. Running a casino is a mini city. you have facilities, cashiers, attendants, techs, security, Finance, people who run hotel operations, surveillance, and also dealers and people who currently work for the Seminoles who would love to work there. I think you should research it more before you make it public, and put your foot in your mouth.
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09/26/2011 2:41:00 AM
LISTEN to LUKE ...
Once again LUKE demonstrates his special intellect proving that a 50 IQ on drugs really does know the best path for MIAMI ... he should have been MAYOR !
Allowing Genting into MIAMI will ruin the place ... we can't have any employer create 10,000 or 20,000 or 30,000 PERMANENT JOBS in MIAMI !! ...
LUKE says NO WAY to Genting creating tens of thousands more TEMPORARY JOBS during the 5 years of construction ...
What will happen to that special ambience... that is Liberty City ... you can't have jobs available out there ... people got to collect that free OBAMA money ... forget about working ...
PERMANENT JOBS are NOT for LUKE and his constituents ... forget it !!
Especially SERVICE JOBS ... forget it! ... Housekeeping, Retail, & Food Service jobs are below LUKE and his constituents ... FREE MONEY is THE MIAMI WAY !
The STATUS QUO is fine ...
REELECT OBAMA and send more FREE MONEY
Tell those employers PASS !!!!!
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09/26/2011 2:01:00 AM
Calling Bullsh*t on Uncle Luke. This project will not "suck the life out of Miami" It will suck the poverty and the unemployment and the despair out of The "Magic City" Luke is either jonesing for a job with Genting or working for the Arts Center either way he's not helping our city get better. I'll take Gentings jobs over Lukes bullish*t anyway
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SUNNI 09/26/2011 1:14:00 AM
Genting's plans will enhance the Arts Center. I'm sure the types of shows and entertainment will be more of a complement to the Center verses taking business away. The good thing with having the development of the World Resorts Miami is that the next time i go to a performance at the Arts Center, i might be able to go for dinner and drinks either before or after the show. There is NOTHING in walking distance that you can go to around the Arts Center as is. I for one am looking forward to additional entertainment in the local area.
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09/26/2011 1:12:00 AM
First of all Miami is a major port city.Miami is the gateway to South America and the Carribean and will continue to be just that.I Know a construction engineer from Ohio whose been working at the stadium for over one and one half years,and good for him.To bad a Miami guy didn't get it.Oh well.If you have no jobs or money some people might suggest you move some where you can get a job.As far as temporary jobs, glad to have them. Secondly, location,location location. Your right on the water smack dab in the city of Miami.Your comingling with the cruise ship action and you are affording interested people from all over the world (who can afford it) an other reason to come to and through Miami.I have some faith in the outcome of this venture and am thinking possitively for the inhabitants, espcially the inner city resident of overtown.With some serious effort this part of town will benifit greatly.Lets work at being possitive.Any way you most likely qualify for a better job than those mentioned, this could be an opertunity for you.
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Guest 09/26/2011 1:00:00 AM
Any casino downtown will not kill Miami Beach's tourism dollars. First of all, not everyone likes going to a casino and gamble - i don't! And frankly, the beach [SoBe] is becoming over built and over congested. The beach will always be the beach - nothing downtown does can replace that. The fact is downtown has desperately needed an infusion of cash and a good clean up for sometime, especially the Biscayne corridor. I am glad downtown is getting a destination resort. It will increase tourism and that will mean that the beach will benefit off that.
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Christianberke80 09/25/2011 9:59:00 PM
The argument that this is detrimental to Miami is one-sided. What about the jobs and tax revenue this will bring in? Look at Las Vegas, people leave the Casino they are staying at to go to other casinos whether it be for the established name brand restaurants (such as your reference to Joe's Stone Crab) or to the club of the night like Liv. This will bring Miami up a notch as a destination resort. Nothing wrong with the free markets.
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09/25/2011 9:54:00 PM
What a crock- this will not kill Miami. We need the jobs and the tax revenue this will create!
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09/25/2011 6:36:00 PM
Thank GOD you're not Mayor!
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09/25/2011 3:55:00 PM
The Genting Miami casino is the best thing to have ever happened to Miami. It's going to put our city on the map and help make it the best tourist destination in America. I can't wait for it to open! Luke Capbell has a condo in Vegas and is friends with Sheldon Adleson, who owns the Sands casino. I wonder if that has tainted Lukes "objective" opinion. Tell it like it is Luke.
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09/25/2011 2:40:00 PM
you morons are blinded by the promise of jobs but I bet you believed Obama's BS too. The Genting group is also tied to criminal activities and terrorist gtoups. Do the research and see...
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Genting_Group#Ties_to_Organized_Crime
Ties to Organized CrimeAccording to a United States Senate investigation Genting chairman K.T. Lim has maintained a business relationship with Stanley Ho.[8] Ho is an Asian casino magnate who has been identified as a member of the Chinese Triad, the Chinese crime organization, by the U.S. Justice Department and by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Ho has been denied a casino license in every jurisdiction except in Macau and North Korea. Genting has refused to address their business dealings with Ho and his company Shun Tak Holdings Ltd.
Terror group fundingGenting executives have defended millions of dollars in contributions to Islamic extremist organizations who in turn support and finance jihad to a U.S. Senate investigative committee as a required cost of doing business in Malaysia.[11] And, The Florida Clarion reports that Genting could be one of the largest funders of Islamic terrorist activity in Asia.
Links to Korean dictator Kim Jong-ilVia his business relationship with Stanley Ho, K.T.Lim and Genting have an interest in a casino in North Korea. Controversial photographs of Mr. Lim with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il have circulated the Internet and been part of a U.S. Senate investigation according to Florida news reports.
Seneca Tribe shakedown scandalGenting made hundreds of millions of tax-exempt dollars as the financiers behind two controversial Indian Casino gaming developments in the Eastern United States. In both cases, Genting operations were directed by G. Michael Brown, a former New Jersey Attorney General who was later charged with embezzlement and cocaine use in the Seneca Tribal Court. Brown was charged with putting various mistresses on the casino payroll and using casino funds to pay for luxury condominiums, imported sports cars and expensive jewelry for them.
Genting was the financial backer of the Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York. Investigators found that Genting charged the tribe a 28 percent interest rate, in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulations under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Genting also stayed in the deal for almost 15 years when they were legally limited to five. Seneca Tribal Council members have testified that armed men showed up to collect Genting’s money when tribal lawyers pointed out that Genting was violating the law.
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09/25/2011 11:27:00 AM
If unemployment continues at its current rate, soon, even Luke will long for the good old days of BUSH and FULL EMPLOYMENT.
Blacks got robbed by electing this clown. You were sold a bag of lies for your vote, and look what it got ya.
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09/25/2011 3:05:00 AM
Your right on. you have problably seen miami come along way like myself.Genting will only magnify what has been built and hopefuly bring some enrichment to those who need it.I have always seen it comming.To bad LT is out of the loop.
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MICKIE D 09/25/2011 2:33:00 AM
MIAMI I WISH WOULD HAVE AN EARTHQUAKE AND FLOAT OR SINK BACK TO U KNOW WHERE...IT WAS ONCE PARADISE NOW ITS A SHITHOLE
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09/25/2011 1:12:00 AM
But sadly it's not gonna happen.
A Lot of rappers and hip-hop artists are going to be in south beach.
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Mchl_nc 09/25/2011 12:27:00 AM
nice try loser,but your wrong as usual.there will always be cruise ship tourist coming to miami and thats the real backbone of revenue for the city.they fill a huge portion of hotel rooms and that will never change,in fact cruising will get bigger in the future with deep dredge project allowing bigger ships in our port.the real fact is that besides our regular tourism buisness the city of miami will expierience a huge boost in buisness with a new type of high rolling tourist.las vegas has all the types of shows and entertainment and restauraunts that are always filled with tourist from all over the world.i think you and the rest of the hip hop crappy crowd that brings nothing but low life element in this city will eventually be drowned out of miami once and for all.,and thats what the majority of miami and beach residents really hope happens.
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09/24/2011 9:48:00 PM
luther, you're wrong... the hard rock in hollywood hasnt killed the nightlife on their "strip", the tables at all the other casinos in south florida are manned by locals, not the "carpet bagger croupiers" you envision... it might have effect on some high end "hot spots", and i honestly dont see that as a major downside... got a pal who's worried?
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09/24/2011 8:28:00 PM
Its coming no matter what. They've already purchase the Miami Herald building, I'm sure they wouldn't have if they didn't already know that it was a done deal. One thing everyone needs to accept about the relationship between a corporation and politians, is that as long as politians can get their briefcases full of money, corporation can do whatever the hell the please. SMH :-(
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09/24/2011 3:53:00 PM
They need to find somewhere as to put the casinos. I understand that it is a great investment, but they is not looking at the big picture. Crime rate is already high. What they think will happen if they put that casino in that location?
Don't get me wrong if they do that, they need to train people in Miami so they can put people back to work. But if you really think about all the surrounding businesses will close and that means more people will be out of work.
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4generations here 09/24/2011 3:30:00 PM
This coming from one of the originators of "Urban Beach Week" which is great for the city. Miami Beach will be a Mecca with casinos, and creating a financial infrastructure here with Health care, forward thinking tech companies, and education is a pipe dream. Casinos are the best thing that could happen to a banana republic; Sure the crooked latino scumbag politicians will line their pockets, but it will create more jobs than the skeleton of a soon bankrupt newspaper and a bad design school ever will. Plus, a casino breaking ground this close to the beach will just bring the inevitable much closer to fruition.
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4generationshere 09/24/2011 3:28:00 PM
This coming from one of the originators of "Urban Beach Week" which is great for the city. Miami Beach will be a Mecca with casinos, and creating a financial infrastructure here with Health care, forward thinking tech companies, and education is a pipe dream. Casinos are the best thing that could happen to a banana republic; Sure the crooked latino scumbag politicians will line their pockets, but it will create more jobs than the skeleton of a soon bankrupt newspaper a bad design school ever will. Plus, a casino breaking ground this close to the beach will just bring the inevitable much closer to fruition.
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09/24/2011 2:24:00 PM
This is so stupid. The carcass will rot from the inside out.
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09/24/2011 2:13:00 PM
WHERE ARE ALL THE JOBS THE NEW STADIUM WAS SUPPOSE TO CREATE? THIS IS NOTHING BUT ONE OR TWO MIAMI CORPORATIONS AND FEW CORRUPTED POLITICIANS GETTING RICH! USE YOUR HEAD!!! WHO IS GOING TO BE SPENDING MONEY AT THIS VENUE? NO ONE !!! WE HAVE NO JOBS OR MONEY!!! AND ALL THE CONSTRUCTION JOBS THAT WILL NOT GO TO PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN MIAMI WILL ONLY BE TEMPORARY! ASK GULF STREAM! THAT PLACE IS GHOST TOWN !!
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09/24/2011 2:12:00 PM
Mr. Campbell is correct in his analysis. I would recommend a moral approach to attracting more tourist. Gambling crushes the spirit of communities as it is a zero sum game and the house always wins.
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stacey 09/24/2011 1:05:00 PM
Saw this coming!!! Must be an ex-resident of La Communista Island!! Its a shame how many people think that anyone but Obama has their best interest at heart when in actuality all they want to do is butter you up and use small words to persuade you into giving MORE and receiving LESS but hey your vote is your vote!! Be careful
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09/24/2011 12:54:00 PM
Genting is the investor and property manager. They have no idea the complexities of devloping a mega project in south florida. There will be all kinds of QA people with the hands out. Genting will be in for a shock...
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09/24/2011 6:18:00 AM
I am writing this from Malaysia right now, all I can say is "Anyone but Genting."
Miami needs a shot in the arm, there is no doubt about that. Whether the old Miami Herald location should include casino complexes or a world class office park, or a mega-convention center with first class hotels and attractions, or strictly a residential development is moot. There are ample pros and cons for most type of developments that would be suitable for the location.
However, if you have any depth of exposure to Genting Group, you will understand they are the absolute wrong choice for Miami. They will lobby to bring in overseas workers, paying them minimum wage at best, and put as little as possible back into the local economy.
If you visit their flagship resort in Malaysia at Genting Highlands, you will see it is all flash and no substance, and the flash is a rundown, dilapidated mess. On any given day a good portion of the resorts features and facilities are out of order. Consistently there are waits of up to four (4) hours to check into the flagship hotel. Yes, 4 hours in a check-in line. The hotel rooms are a shambles, disgusting, mold ridden, odor filled pits. There is a newer boutique property aimed at upscale clientele, but they can't even get that right. The service is horrible and it is plainly obvious they cut corners wherever possible in the facility development.
Genting Highlands markets themselves as a Malaysian alternative to Macau or Las Vegas... what a joke. It is more like an alternative to 1960s Watts area of Los Angeles. Quality and Integrity are just not in their vocabulary.
The Genting Group resort in Singapore is like one of those kit cars, you put together the chassis and engine of a Volkswagen, then top it off with the body of a Corvette or Ferrari. It looks good from a distance, but upon closer inspection the details just don't hold up. You feel like you told the driver to take you to Neiman Marcus, but once you are inside you realize it is really Walmart with Neiman Marcus décor.
For Miami, whatever claims Genting Group makes, whatever projections they put forth, need to be verified, re-verified, then verified again. I would be thoroughly surprised if what was promised resembles what is delivered.
Genting Group rakes in Billions of Dollars annually and puts almost nothing back into the communities where it does business. Billions of Dollars in revenues, but they make a huge production out of some token charitable contribution of a few thousand Dollars like it was the cure for cancer. They treat staff like a commodity, exploit and abuse as much as possible. They bring in workers from the poorest countries -- Myanmar, Bangladesh, etc. -- pay them as little as $150 per month, house them in horrid living conditions, and feed them barely enough low quality food to sustain life.
This is a company which truly does not know the meaning of the words integrity, honor, and ethical.
If a Casino Resort is what the city government really wants, from all the quality casino operators in America -- Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Indian Reservations, Riverboats, Etc. -- Miami really couldn't find a suitable developer which is an American company?
Especially given the current economy, shouldn't a project of this magnitude be awarded to an American company which will hire Americans, reinvest in the community, and keep the profits in America?
If Genting Group does get the final approval for this project, the only hope of some sort of fairness is if the workers are represented by the appropriate labor unions, with no leeway for unfair labor practices.
Just my humble opinion.
Simon
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09/24/2011 5:52:00 AM
Don't know why you are hating on them for doing something you were just running your big mouth with.
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09/24/2011 5:48:00 AM
Luke didn't you say yourself that if you ran for Governor that you would legalize gambling and marijuana in Miami-Dade County?
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09/24/2011 1:22:00 AM
Luther, unemployment can't get much worse than it already is in Miami. These days we should allow anyone that wants to spend their millions of dollars in South Florida and give an opportunity for some of the many unemployed people in this city have jobs, even if its sweeping floors, cleaning rooms or simply being a bus boy. Stop worrying about how the already wealthy people in Miami will be effected as the added competition will force them to be more creative, improve services and reinvest in this city to keep customers. Competition is good, for now it can only help our city!
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09/23/2011 11:16:00 PM
Luke, you're dead on on this.
I saw firsthand how the casinos revitalized Shreveport. There's a big bright casino on the water. It's sitting in a field of closed shops and abandoned buildings. It's pretty obvious that this pattern repeats itself in New Jersey. The casinos leave no dollar behind.
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Gail 09/23/2011 10:55:00 PM
miami-over development, over population and a palm tree.
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09/23/2011 10:08:00 PM
Doesn't matter - by the time they finish there will be only super wealthy and super broke (the later will way outnumber the first) and they will have better choice than downtown Miami to play at - oh and it's always a bad thing when people are begging and or throwing rocks at your customers as they drive in.....
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09/23/2011 9:42:00 PM
Uh, nothning happened when Seminole hardrock opened up or gulfstream park, this will be just another choice that everyone will have.
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09/23/2011 8:52:00 PM
South Beach had ceased to exist once already. Have you been here in like the 80's? it was a run down place, decaying big time. You know why? Because nothing was going on and tourist stopped coming and so on. Fortunately, all kinds of developers figured it out, and see where we are now? So why stop the development? Lincoln Rd will flourish, as will the whole South Beach. Just come down here to Lincoln Rd and look at the shops and restaurants sucking air, don't you think they would be happy with tens of thousands of well off customers spilling over from the casino?. When you say we love our city as it is, that means no progress, no development... we don't want to end up in the 80's again
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09/23/2011 8:50:00 PM
The free market and capitalisim works best when we allow for competition and an attempt at supply and demand. There is much need for those elements in Miami if we are to expect growth and prosperity. I encourage new business. It will make the exsisting ones better. Tourisim will grow and in turn our local economy will benefit. Whats wrong with that!?
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09/23/2011 8:22:00 PM
you go Sam, remember the airport expansion? hehe,
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09/23/2011 8:14:00 PM
Casino will bring down the culture, morals and dignity? There is non of that here, you didn't know that when you decided to move here? It's a big fake everything city, corruption, south americans parking their money here, people driving rented Bentleys to look rich... and we can't wait to screw the next person if we can. That's the culture here, so yea, bring us the casino, we'll just have more fun. We like it like that, so leave us alone. You want your culture and all that stuff, consider Portland or Seattle or something. Sorry to break it down for you like that, but hey...
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Pukesgospelisalie 09/23/2011 7:57:00 PM
Puke,the unanswered question here is..... How much do those soupcoolers of your's weigh?
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D. Paul 09/23/2011 7:41:00 PM
Touche and Encore is what I say. You have written an article that causes emotions to not only to stir but to think of the ramifications that this will have and how it will effect us. In other words, Genting is going to suck the tourism bounty dry, they are like Pirates they want all the booty for themselves, everyone else (small business etc.) will suffer for the crumbs. Not Cool at all.
Miami will become the New Las Vegas...Hmmmm Sodom and Gomora comes to mind !!
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Billy Ray Sumbich 09/23/2011 7:16:00 PM
The best thing you can do to create jobs is vote Obama out of office. Get someone with experience in doing something, and the jobs will be soon to follow.
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Cazuallife 09/23/2011 6:35:00 PM
Its about time you had a good article that read like an adult wrote it, clap clap, you are correct in your a accusations about Genting. Kudos Luke I knew you had it in you.
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09/23/2011 5:27:00 PM
One doesn't replace Joe's Stone Crabs that easily...the sun shines for everyone. The magic city has too much to offer, things that no Casino can duplicate. And you think Genting hasn't already been training the needed personnel? There are many gaming sites now in Dade & Broward and everyone is surviving, but those are the ones who will be losing out to the new Vegas-style casinos, not the local businesses. Are you lobbying for them, per chance?
I respect your opinion, Flav. but don't agree. We already have gamblers, drugs & party animals. We're a tourist town, remember? The little light mfg companies we had now operate outside the country where it's more profitable for them. Give the locals a little more credit--it will take more than a casino to bring down their culture, morale and dignity...
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09/23/2011 4:33:00 PM
everything in this article is true.
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09/23/2011 2:48:00 PM
A Casino to IMPROVE the local economy? This is the worst idea EVER! Yes, it will bring in ca$h flow but the local population will suffer. It will attract gamblers, drugs and more 'party' people. Really Miami? Don't you guys already have enough partying going on around here.
What you need are new corporations/Fortune 500 companies and a good educated population so that these companies are willing to hire around here. But this would require alot of work and dedication and your elected officials are looking for an easy way out...
A another Casino? This is the easy way out! Look at New Orleans, Atlantic City and even Vegas; these places are crumbling and there's nothing great about the local population. I guess if you want to be known as just a place to get F#$ked up at and party...go right ahead. A casino will improve your cash flow but will bring down the culture, moral and dignity of the local people. I'm a professional that just moved here to Miami and so far it is not a place I want to raise a family (when I get one that is!)...
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Sam 09/23/2011 1:27:00 PM
Luke, I think there could be both negative & positive outcomes for this casino. But none of the reasons you listed are viable.
You are missing very important factors to this issue:
- Genting's Chairman Mr. Lim has given 2 very different statements regarding the development timeline. He first stated this summer that this project will take 10 f'king yrs to complete, now he's saying Fall 2012!!! Which one is it? Ten years is a very long time from now & economics, politics and demographics could be drastically different by then, therefore affecting Genting's original development plan/goals.
-Not to mention, Genting may not even finish development on this "10-yr project". Look around at all the deadbeat developers' unfinished projects in Miami Beach & downtown Miami. Unfinished projects are causing neighboring real estate properties to lose value. Genting which is mostly successful has had to shut down a couple of major developments due to overestimating goals and economic impact.
- Mr. Lim seems to think that the target market, success & tourist draw for the Miami casino will be his fellow, rich asians vacationing here. I find this puzzling, due to the fact that I've learned working in the HNW luxury market that many far-east Asians due to cultural reasons don't flock to sun- drenched beach destinations. Why??? Because in many far-east cultures, particularly the Chinese & Japanese, dark skin is considered a bad thing. They want to keep their skin pale as possible, tanning is not their schtick. Don't believe me? Think about how often you see far-east tourists in Miami... very few.
- It is unfair to let a foreigner come in and open a business that is reserved for the Native American tribes. If a non-tribal American can't open a casino based upon the current rules, then why can a foreigner be given special privileges to do so?!? Tallahassee has some explaining to do....
- How much $$$ are the local politician getting under the table for this project and what kind of tax-breaks are they giving Genting??
- Miami Herald is obviously biased on this topic & most articles they run on Genting are basically PR ads. So, many of the facts and logistics are being glossed over.
Mr. Lim's naivete, big promises, time-frame and overconfidence regarding Miami is what I find troubling about this casino. Do I think it will destroy SOBE or Joe's? Hell no!
I do think if this project is done in a timely manner, target market re-adjusted & built a bit smaller that it can be great for the job market in the downtown & Wynwood neighborhoods. Maybe we can get some restaurants with properly trained staff that's actually polite to customers.
This is Miami folks, NOTHING is ever what it seems and the corrupt leadership/politicians in this town are clueless about the principle of "supply & demand" & have a remarkable talent for fucking up everything they get their hands on.
Let's keep our fingers crossed fellow Miamians & hope this casino doesn't add to their ever-growing list of fuck-ups.
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09/23/2011 12:11:00 PM
Give me a break, the kind of people that hang out in South Beach are not the type that will be attracted to this and vice a versa, there are plenty of people here for both, and everything in between to be successfull. This town needs Casinos, it will thrive with Vegas type Casinos, I just hope these guys have the type of money they will need to fight the forces that will be against this, like the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes, one has to wonder if these forces have already bought these negative voices!
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herbie lou 09/23/2011 6:57:00 AM
disagree. miami populates 2.5 million people. LIV, Prime 112, and Genting will have no problem being occupied with business and entertainments. fortunately, your not the mayor.
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09/23/2011 4:43:00 AM
Great idea ,nice weather,great location, so we dont have to fly to Vegas, we don't need passaport to go bahamas.But only one detail , The city have to relocate the homeless.
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09/23/2011 4:34:00 AM
C.O. Jones is kicking ass here!.
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09/23/2011 4:28:00 AM
Uncle Campbell Soup, What is your plan for Miami?..more booty shaking madness?.
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09/22/2011 11:00:00 PM
Are you for real or a serial poster? Probably the latter. I can tell by the way you insult people without knowing anything about them. By the way, I am college educated and I have worked in the hospitality and travel industry for years. Show me the money! If you're not in management then you are not making a living wage.
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09/22/2011 6:08:00 PM
Great, bring skilled employees in, who actually have an income and can afford to buy property. Sounds good.
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09/22/2011 5:55:00 PM
You my be right. Who leaves the strip in Las Vegas? '30,000 permanent well-paying jobs' will of course be in the food and laundry service side of the biz. Remains to be seen however if they are opening a new market or sucking an existing one dry.
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09/22/2011 4:59:00 PM
Anything the slimy ignorant Uncle Puke is against I am for!
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09/22/2011 4:53:00 PM
Let's begin with the topic of gambling as a whole. It's here and it's here to stay. Paramutuals, Indian Limited Casinos, Florida Lotto and many more are around us everyday. So, it's not a new concept and it's here to stay.
There are various nearby entities that have vested interest in preventing full casino gaming in Miami. They are:
The Bahamas...It's not better in the Bahamas for gambling as the pay-outs are ridiculous and the earnings go into the pockets of the Bahamian Government. They have folks rallying against the Miami Casinos as, if casinos where approved here, the Bahamas would just be a secluded getaway.
The Cruise Lines...over 25% of revenue for the cruise lines comes from the money deposited by passengers, whom are captured on board. The payouts are horrible. Have you ever heard of anyone hitting the big one on a cruise ship..I didn't think so.
Indian Limited Gambling: The casinos, whom the Indians have turned over its management to big time casino operators rake millions of dollars in every year. The Indians just get a percentage, but the bulk of the profits go to the operator. Again they are here, because there are no alternatives. These would not exist if full casino was available...Who would go to Hollywood to gamble if they could go to a full amenity casino? No one.
Las Vegas & Atlantic City and others: Obviously casinos in Miami would financially destroy these cities. After you see the Grand Canyon...what else do you do in Las Vegas? Atlantic City, once you go 2 blocks past the Boardwalk, it is slum. Why? Because these places have nothing but gambling. Miami has beaches, International Business Centers, great restaurants, great night life, quick access from and to central and South America. Family Amusements.
This and much more would make gambling in Miami the number one tourist spot in the US.
The conservative Right. Afraid? Afraid of what, crime? The Mafia? You must all watch too many 1960s mafia movies. The casino business is a major corporate enterprise held my very legitimate companies and investors. They will make sure that crime is reduced, because no one wants bad press for their casinos. Police departments would be better funded and equipped.
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09/22/2011 4:49:00 PM
Listen... Casino's actually destroyed Atlantic City...Everything around the Casino's in Atlantic City looks like a wasteland...They also promised the City of Atlantic more jobs, but nobody ever thought that a "Gambling Epidemic" would cause so much pain and suffering. Folks have lost their homes, Commercial Property and the small business owner had to shut its doors down because the Casino's consumed everything around. The Casino's always paint the perfect picture, to build them up to be "Family Orientated Resort Style Casino's" but everyone that truly knows what they are about knows the true motive of the Genting Group is fueled by....Money, More Money and More Money...once it dries up...they travel like Locust and destroy another City....if this is allowed in our city...it will eat away at our Miami roots...Crime will go sky high and the face of Tourism in Miami will be stained forever...I say go somewhere else to steal and rob Genting Group...We love our City as it is....and by the way I love to personally leisurely gamble...but its enough with the Hard Rock and Biloxi,MS being right up the street from us...We don't need another bunch of crooks in our back yards...This will be a chain reaction...so will Gambling be allowed at the Fountain Blu as well??? POW!!!! There goes Lincoln Rd.... and South Beach will cease to exist...unless everyone will be given a gambling license to compete...in these areas.
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09/22/2011 4:26:00 PM
Did you know that the hospitality industry is one of the highest paying in the country? Servers, Chefs, Housekeeping, Bartenders all make way above the average wage income.
So you obviously do not know what you are talking about regarding this topic.
Original Miamians ? Who are you Chief of The Seminole Tribe? Otherwise you are as original as I am, whom has lived here for over 50 years. People with opinions, whom have limited education, should think before they make a comment.
Most original Miamians that think like you...don't live in Miami any longer. By the the way...Miami was created to be a resort destination...shhhhhhh don't tell anyone.
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09/22/2011 4:14:00 PM
I think the casino would be a bad idea too. It will be staffed by an overwhelming number of jobs that are low paying. Why not try to entice companies that are going to pay a living wage. Also, if we wanted to live in Vegas or Atlantic City we would move to those places. ...not to knock anyone, but if this takes place the few original Miamians left will leave and Miami will feel like a complete resort town.
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09/22/2011 3:16:00 PM
One doesn't replace Joe's Stone Crabs that easily...the sun shines for everyone. The magic city has too much to offer, things that no Casino can duplicate. And you think Genting hasn't already been training the needed personnel? There are many gaming sites now in Dade & Broward and everyone is surviving, but those are the ones who will be losing out to the new Vegas-style casinos, not the local businesses. Are you lobbying for them, per chance?
Sorry, Jagua2010, but don't think we can blame the current economical problems in Vegas on the casinos. Unemployment and foreclosures are up-up-up everywhere in the US. Up until recently (before the real estate bubble burst) Las Vegas real estate was booming and it was one of the leading states for investors. The nation's financial woes are cutting into gambling profits, not the other way around, casinos are not the CAUSE.
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Brad 09/22/2011 2:54:00 PM
Luke does make sense....Now I am not sure that it will kill the economic ties of Miami and Miami Beach, but to think that these Casinos will be that much of a help is wishful thinking and perhaps desperation. Hopefully, the Genting Casinos will help to stabilize the economy in Miami and Miami Beach. There are people that need work and are out of work altogether, so if menial jobs are a part of the impact that these casinos have then, so be it...I guess. I'm looking at the prospect of increased tourism and an increase of jobs and tax revenue, as well as those that relocate to South Florida for the building, managing and operation of these casinos at the behest of the Genting Group, as they may have an impact on the real estate market in South Florida.
Although I wholeheartedly agree with TIMBERLAND21, we are in economic turmoil and we do need a boost. These casinos will not be a cure all for our economic woes but hopefully they help more than they hurt.
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09/22/2011 1:53:00 PM
This makes no sense. A person who sits glassy eyed for 12 hours at the slot machines chain smoking cigarettes wasn't going to Prime 112 or Mansion in the first place. Miami's diversity of attractions and population is enough to handle even the most aggressive casino marketing.
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09/22/2011 1:30:00 PM
I know one hoe from Hialeah who is going to make alot of money if casinos come to Miami. I think we know who I'm talking about.
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09/22/2011 1:22:00 PM
I am still waiting for the moment Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell says anything that actually makes sense...
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09/22/2011 12:41:00 PM
There is enough diversity of people and their interest to fill all "State" attractions, this would just be another point of interest. I was in Vegas 6 years ago. A recent visit showed 4 more mega hotels/gambling/ shows. .....+ we have a Beach...like a shore line...an ocean sand the sunset is stil identifiable. Can't beat the Rusty Pelican view.
Not well thought out.
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09/22/2011 12:20:00 PM
There has been talks of casinos in the south florida area for over 20 years. Now we have several casinos in the south florida area, these casinos were supposed to provide and economic boost to south florida. Every year there are less resources, teachers losing jobs, civil servents losing there jobs. Law enforcement officers losing wages and jobs not to mention that Jackson Hospital which is our county hospital which serves our indigent and under-insured community is broke. This is just another savings account for our politcians and another duping of our community. There is always a promise of jobs, jobs and more jobs and unemployment continues to grow.
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09/22/2011 11:41:00 AM
It has happened in Vegas...all the successful casinoes are selfcontained and if you haven't noticed...Vegas is in the middle of the desert...no beaches!! Vegas exists for only one reason gambling and legalized prostitution...It currently has one of the highest unemployment and foreclosure economies.. so much for gambling ending a cities financial issues!!
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09/22/2011 10:26:00 AM
Your comment alone is a pure example of ignorance at its finest.
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09/22/2011 10:24:00 AM
This is why we need to press for better education in our schools...because obviously, you can't read Brad. Read the article again. Its not some rant to the world. Its simple an article of facts of events to possibly come. Visit Las Vegas. Other than the casinos...its a desert. The Casinos account for about 97% of the City's revenue. The only competition a Casino will have is another Casino. Not, Luke Campbell. Take a look up the road at Hard Rock in Hollywood. Compare the revenue the city took in before the Casino, to that AFTER the Hard Rock opened its doors. A water front Casino with hotels, live shows, etc in sunny South Florida...what more could tourists ask for while visiting the Magic City? Las Vegas doesn't have a bay/beach/etc. But Miami does. Miami is a "whore" when it comes to economics. Any entity/org/company can come in and "hit that" for years. Money Talks, bullshit walks... remember that, Brad Hankerson.
