Florida lawmakers hope to settle gambling dispute this week

In Florida, Governor Charlie Crist signed a gambling compact with the Seminole Indians in December of 2007, only to have legislators appeal successfully to have the compact overturned by the state Supreme Court. The gambling issue is far from being solved. The Senate and the House have very different agendas when it comes to gambling expansion.

The Senate plan would bring full scale casino gambling to the state. The Seminole tribe would be allowed to offer craps, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. That would be in addition to Vegas style slot machines. State pari-mutuel tracks would also get expanded casino games.

The House plan is almost completely opposite. It would strip the Seminoles of their right to offer blackjack and baccarat, but would allow them to keep Vegas style slots. Many analysts believe this plan would be unacceptable to the Seminole tribe.

The key for lawmakers now is to come to a compromise between the two plans. The end result will most likely be something between the vastly different two plans. With time running out on this legislative session, and the governor pushing to have the gambling issue resolved, this could be a crucial week for Florida lawmakers.