Poll Reveals Floridians OK With Seminole Casino Gambling Compact

Governor Charlie Crist is a widely popular politician in the state of Florida. One of the reasons for that could be his ability to know what residents in the state want.

Crist signed a casino gambling compact with the Seminole Indians back in December of 2007, but legislators were quick to ask the state Supreme Court to veto the deal. Their reason? They were not involved with the decision making process.

Now a new Quinnipiac Poll that was released yesterday revealed that Floridians want legislators to stop the politicking and complete the deal with the Seminoles. Sixty-three percent of those polled said they wanted the expanded gambling deal completed.

One of the reasons people in the state might be pushing for the compact is the impact it would have on employment in Florida. It is estimated that 45,000 new jobs would be created by the Seminoles' casinos expansion. That is a lot of work for a state that has a high unemployment rate.

In addition to the jobs that would be created, there is a large amount of revenue that would be created for the state. The original compact that was signed between Crist and the Seminoles would have brought the state $375 million in the first three years, and a minimum of $100 million for each year after that.

The tribe and legislators have been negotiating the terms of a new deal, but in the meantime the tribe continues to operate their Hollywood Hard Rock Casino as if the compact was in place already. Blackjack is being offered and Vegas style slot machines are running.

February 19, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Tropicana Atlantic City Casino Bankruptcy Sale Drawing Interest
New Hampshire Residents Choose Casino Gambling Over Taxes
Pinnacle Granted Delay For Louisiana Casino Gambling Projects
New Bill Targets Closed Tribal Casinos In Texas
Casino Debt Negotiations End In Bankruptcy For Trump Entertainment