Florida Lawmakers Gambling Compromise Sets Bad Precedent

Legislators in the state of Florida were strongly opposed to Governor Charlie Crist's gambling compact with the Seminole Indians back in December of 2007. They showed their distaste for the compact late Wednesday night when they agreed on a gambling deal that is eerily similar to the one they have been opposed to.

Politics in the state of Florida may not have ever been as clearly defined as it has with this gambling issue. Representatives were so furious with Crist's Seminole gambling compact, that they took the matter to the state Supreme Court, who voided the compact.

All along, it was not about the gambling, it was about the egos of lawmakers. Legislators in Florida had their egos bruised that the governor negotiated the gambling compact without their input.

Now, less than two years later, members of the House and Senate have agreed on a gambling deal for the Seminoles that would allow the tribe to operate blackjack and baccarat exclusively in Broward County. They would also get the table games at their Tampa Hard Rock Casino.

"This deal that the lawmakers in Florida have agreed upon is nothing more than a regurgitated version of Governor Crist's original deal," said observer Mandy Greko, "The only difference is now the decision was made by legislators, and not the governor."

The Seminole Tribe must still approve the deal, but it seems likely that will happen. Their goal all along was to get exclusive rights to blackjack, something they accomplished through the deal that was hammered out Wednesday.

"This is a victory for the children of Florida and education," said Governor Crist." A victory, indeed, that could have come over a year ago and that could possibly have saved many educational budget cuts from happening. If only not for the ego of the politician.

May 7, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!