Criticism Begins Of Seminole Gambling Compact In Florida

Governor Charlie Crist has done his job once again when it comes to expanded gambling for the Seminole Indians in the state of Florida. Now, he is hoping this time around, he will receive support instead of cynicism from lawmakers.

The controversy surrounding the compact, however, has already begun. It started on Tuesday, mostly coming from the industry that will be hurt the most, pari-mutuels in areas outside of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

Crist' compact agreement, "..goes far beyond the mited gaming expansion the Legislature strived for during the 2009 legislative session," said Isadore Havenick, Vice President of the company that owns Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track, "and instead doubles the banked card game casinos in Florida."

To a lesser extend, Attorney general Bill McCollum also warned against assuming the compact was complete and law. McCollum understands that the compact cannot become law until legislators ratify and accept the signed deal.

Lawmakers have not said much about the new compact, except that they will look it over closely when the time is right. That time may be in October, when Crist is expected to call a special session for lawmakers to discuss the gambling compact. Crist did not mix his words to legislators when asked if he wishes them to approve the deal.

"I hope they do. That's their decision and they have the independence to make that call, but I know it would be good for Florida's school children and Florida's teachers," said Crist. It was there that he threw in the Legislature's responsibility to the gambling compact, one they did not have when he signed the first deal in December of 2007.

"My concern is, if we don't, if the Legislature doesn't, that the federal government will allow them (Seminoles) to do it (expand gambling) anyway and then we (Florida) won't get a dime of the money."

September 2, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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