Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) says he wants to negotiate a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe.

Talks are set to begin this month. Crist said he hopes for a deal that will be good to the state and to the tribe.

The tribe has been trying to negotiate a compact for years. But former governor Jeb Bush (R), the brother of President Bush, never agreed to a final deal.

That prompted the tribe to seek help from the Interior Department for approval to operate slot machines, which were recently legalized in the state. But Crist has pressed the Bush administration to hold off in order to negotiate a deal.

The tribe is willing to share revenues, general counsel Jim Shore has said. The tribe would have to get something in return, such as exclusivity.

Meanwhile, the tribe is expanding its casino in Coconut Creek. The tribe wants 44 acres around the casino to be placed in trust but is running into local opposition.

Get the Story:
Crist is open to deal with tribe (The Miami Herald 4/8)
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Seminoles renovate casino, plan major development (The Miami Herald 4/8)