The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments December 12 on a lawsuit that challenges the ability of Gov. Charlie Crist (R) to sign a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe.

Crist signed the deal in November. It allows the tribe to operate slot machines and card games, such as blackjack and baccarat, in exchange for a share of the revenues.

Republican lawmakers say Crist violated the state constitution by signing the compact. They claim the deal expands Class III gaming beyond what state law allows.

Crist responded on Monday. He says lawmakers should wait until the Bureau of Indian Affairs reviews the agreement and can sue him later. He also says lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would give them a role in the compact negotiation process [Gov. Crist Brief | Appendix | Seminole Tribe Brief].

Get the Story:
Crist argues Seminole gambling deal is legal (The St. Petersburg Times 12/4)
Crist fires back to Rubio on Seminoles compact (The Miami Herald 12/4)