Lawmakers In Florida Blast Governor's Seminole Gambling Compact

Lawmakers in the state of Florida are at odds over how to proceed with gambling expansion in the state. One thing they seem to agree on is that the new gambling compact proposal from Governor Charlie Crist and the Seminole Indian tribe is awful.

"Our approach to the compact is not about filling a fiscal need. We are facing budget problems, but taking out a line of credit from the Seminoles is not a responsible way to balance our budget. It is not the best deal for Florida," said Representative Bill Galvano.

What is the best deal for Florida depends on which politicians the question is asked to. The Senate approved a Bill that would bring full scale gambling to the state. The House wants to eliminate blackjack from the Seminole casinos. The two branches of government have vastly different plans.

The governor has been trying to find a median between the two extreme plans. The compact he is proposing would allow the Seminoles blackjack and baccarat but not other casino games. It would be a compromise of the Senate and the House Bills.

Lawmakers are quick to point out that it is not the game expansion that is the problem with the new compact, but the money configuration. The Seminoles would pay $1.1 billion in the first two years, then nothing in the third. After that, the state's cut would be based on revenue from the Seminole casinos.

"We're going to keep focusing on doing what's best for Florida long-term," said Galvano, "Front loading the payments is a short term solution that will lead to long-term problems for our state and its industries."

April 24, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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