Seminoles And State Far Apart In Florida Gambling Issue

Lawmakers in the state of Florida have never been high on gambling expansion for the Seminole Indians. That is why when they were forced to deal with the issue by Governor Charlie Crist this past legislative session, they fiddled around with a half-hearted effort to allow the expansion.

The House and Senate agreed on the parameters of a gambling compact with the Seminoles only after the two sides realized they were not even close as far as an agreement in theory went. So it was Governor Crist who had to take the botched idea of legislators back to the Seminoles.

So far, the Seminoles have not bitten on the new plan, and there is now an impasse between the state and the Seminoles. Lawmakers insist, however, that they will not give in to the wishes of the tribe.

"They want a counter offer and that's not what the legislation called for," said outspoken Rep. Bill Galvano, to the Herald/Times, "We don't view it as an opportunity to renegotiate what was presented."

While the state is trying to play hard ball with the Seminoles, it is the tribe that may have the upper hand. The Seminoles believe that since there is class III gaming allowed in the state, that they should have the right to offer the same gambling at their casinos.

The Seminoles already are legally challenging the validity of their claim. If they win, they will have the right to offer the expanded gambling without the state receiving any of the revenue generated. It is a chance that Galvano, and other strong minded conservatives are willing to take.

This comes at a time when the state is struggling mightily to balance the budget. There have been many educational programs slashed, and other state funded programs have also lost crucial funds.

Governor Crist has been trying to get the compact with the Seminoles done for several years. He already has successfully negotiated a compact with the Seminoles back in late 2007, but legislators were upset they were not involved in the negotiations, so they brought it to the state Supreme Court, where the compact was voided.

July 29, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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