Seminole Full Gambling Negotiations Deadline Extended in Florida

The negotiations between the Seminole Indians of Florida and Governor Charlie Crist have received an extension by the US Interior Department who originally gave them until yesterday to come to a deal over full Class III casino gambling that the Seminoles feel they are should be allowed to have in their Florida casinos.

Crist yesterday said they were close to a deal with the Seminoles but today said the three week extension until September 11th took a little bit of the pressure off.

Crist was reluctant to shed details of the imminent deal claiming the issue was delicate. "It's a delicate negotiation and it's been extended now," Crist said.

He led some reporters to believe the details are already in place, but he did want to get anyone's hopes up in case the exact deal they may have in place does not go through as planned. "I don't want you to be disappointed if they're not achieved," he added.

The Interior Department has to ultimately approve an agreement between the state and the tribe, but could allow full-scale gambling with no money for the state if Florida fails to reach a deal.

The Seminoles want a deal for a couple of reasons. One, if they get full table games without the consent of the state, Florida will challenge them in court, which could stall the installation of the games by many years. Also, by working out a deal with the state they may give up some money, but also may get exclusive rights to the games in the state.

The parimutuels that were just revitalized by the voters in Broward county who voted to allow Class III style slots, would be the losers if the Seminoles expand to full casino gambling.

August 21, 2007
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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