MIAMI (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins have hired a veteran lobbyist and appear to be pushing to make land around the football stadium eligible for casino licenses in case lawmakers approve a landmark expansion of gambling.
The National Football League prohibits ties to gambling. But holding companies tied to the team and its majority owner, Stephen Ross, own large tracts of land around the stadium. Ross could sell or lease the land.
The Miami Herald reports Ross envisions the area as an entertainment destination. Miami Rep. Erik Fresen is drafting a bill that would grant South Florida licenses for three casino resorts.
The Dolphins released a lengthy statement, saying the team itself would not pursue a casino, but suggested it was positioning itself to be a player in the gambling debate.
