In 1988 the Florida Lottery sold its first ticket and became an instant success. Today it is one of the nation's most successful lotteries. Of the four different games, Instant, Cash 3, Lotto, and Fantasy 5. Lotto, which offers the largest prize, is by far the most popular, producing nearly half of total sales. Lotto's share of total lottery sales varies by county. Usually Lotto is less popular in counties where the average income is low than in wealthier counties. Notable exceptions to this pattern are poor rural counties bordering Alabama and Georgia. People come to these counties in large numbers from neighboring states to buy Lotto tickets. In September 1990 the Florida Lottery had total sales of 301 million dollars, the result of a Lotto prize that had mounted to 106.5 million dollars. The prize was won that month and split among six people. The largest Lotto prize earned by one person was 52 million dollars. The opening of the Georgia lottery may have a significant impact on Florida Lottery sales in the future.
Florida has many pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state. Betting at these facilities, particularly Jai-Alai and Greyhound racing, has decreased as a result of the Florida Lottery. Thoroughbred racing in south Florida is held at Miami's new Calder Race Course, which has 136 race days each year; at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, which has 90 days; and at Tropical Park, which has a season of 49 days. Hialeah, Florida's oldest track, had its last race day in December 1989. In 1991 it was still unclear whether racing would resume there. Tampa Bay Downs, a thoroughbred track, provides the Tampa Bay area with racing 90 days each year. Pompano Beach has a harness track with 150 race days.
The Seminole Indians own and operate two high-stake bingo facilities on reservation land in Tampa and Hollywood. More recently the Miccosukee Indians have opened a facility on reservation land west of Miami. All these facilities are open year-round.
