Gambling will be among the chief issues to be resolved by legislators

US: Seminoles still hoping for casino gambling compact in Florida

(US).- Lawmakers in the state of Florida have used their experiences with the Seminole Indians to the state's benefit. Instead of signing off on a casino gambling compact, lawmakers may turn to their own form of expansion.
2010-01-04
Reading time 1:02 min

That stance has not altered the optimism of the Seminoles. They still believe that Governor Charlie Crist negotiated in good faith and that a deal can be worked out, others, however, are not so sure. "The Seminoles could have had this deal done last year had they been willing to make a couple of concessions," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz, "But they played hard ball with the state, and now they may be on the short end of the legal stick."

Instead of approving the deal that the governor and the Seminoles ironed out, lawmakers used the information that came out of those negotiations and began to talk about their own gambling expansion. Blackjack and baccarat could end up in state pari-mutuels legally, before the Seminoles are allowed to offer the games.

Gambling expansion is running rampant around the US, and it makes sense for Florida to lead the way. Their climate and tourism industry lends itself to many advantages that other states do not possess. With the proper expansion, some analysts believe that Florida could become the casino capital of the East Coast.

While the state ponders their next move, the Seminoles remain patient in the hopes of securing the long-sought gambling compact. The Seminoles have already started offering blackjack last summer, and it is believed that lawmakers are punishing the tribe for running the games without authorization from the state.

Legislators will meet in the new session and gambling will be among the chief issues to be resolved. The Seminoles are just hoping that they are included of any type of expansion.

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