Column: Bush wrong to break off talks with tribes

Friday, May 26, 2006  

"No rush, fellas. The Seminoles and Miccosukees surely thank you.

Just as the Indian tribes must be thankful that [Florida Gov. Jeb] Bush has broken off talks over the future of gambling at their sites. The tribes want to upgrade from the current Class 2 bingo-style slots to the Class 3 slots coming to the pari-mutuels. The tribes also want table games such as blackjack, roulette and craps.

Bush could negotiate a deal allowing these games on tribal land in return for a piece of the action and state oversight.

By breaking off talks, Bush is taking a huge gamble. If federal authorities rule the state negotiated in bad faith, the tribes could win the right to offer true slots or table games without giving the state anything."

Get the Story:
Michael Mayo: State's odd slots moves play into tribes' pockets (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 5/25)
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