The debut of slots in Miami-Dade County appears to be at least 18 months away -- and perhaps longer -- as the owners of Flagler Dog Track, Miami Jai-Alai and Calder Race Course draw up plans for their new racinos.

Miami-Dade voters on Jan. 29th overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure giving the three pari-mutuels the right to each offer up to 2,000 Vegas-style slots, but renovations to existing facilities and new construction will keep the bells from ringing until late 2009 or perhaps even 2010.

Both Flagler and Miami Jai-Alai owners envision creating entertainment complexes with restaurants, and construction is expected to take at least 18 months and perhaps longer.

Calder does not plan to announce its plans until after a meeting with stockholders in March.

There is also a possibility that the Miami Jai-Alai fronton will be sold to Isle of Capri casinos, which owns The Isle racino at Pompano Park in Broward County.

Under a deal inked in 2004, the Isle casino company has six months to work out a deal with Florida Gaming, owner of the fronton.