Experts back Florida tribes' claim to slot machines

Monday, February 28, 2005  

Legal experts say Florida tribes are able to offer slot machines because state law no longer outlaws them.

Last November, voters in two counties approved a referendum that would legalize slot machines at racetracks. Regardless of how the March 8 election goes, experts say the tribes have a legal claim to Class III machines.

The Miccosukee Tribe has already asked Gov. Jeb Bush (R) to negotiate a Class III compact. Bush appears to be waiting to respond until the results of the election are in.

Get the Story:
Slot machine vote could open door to rest of state (The St. Petersburg Times 2/28)
Upcoming vote won't derail Indian casino slots, experts say (The Palm Beach Post 2/27)
Lawmakers struggle with slots, Bush ponders tribal gaming (AP 2/26)
South Florida's Sleepy Gambling Sports Look to Slots (The New York Times 2/27)
Impact of slots on cities is no sure bet (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 2/27)
Pompano remains at odds over slot machine referendum (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 2/27)