Editorial: Sign compact with Seminole Tribe

Friday, September 7, 2007  

"It's the sad truth, but it is in Florida's best interest for Gov. Charlie Crist to strike a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to allow Las Vegas-style gambling at tribe casinos.

That's because Mr. Crist's effort, though distasteful, is Florida's best chance to control the spread of gambling.

We remain adamantly opposed to gambling. But in 2004, gambling supporters duped voters into believing a constitutional amendment to allow Las Vegas-style slot machines would limit them to South Florida. Nothing could be further from the truth. Under federal law, sovereign tribes, no matter where their casinos are located, can offer the same types of gambling allowed by the state.

If the tribe strikes a deal with the federal government, Florida loses any control over the spread of gambling. The Seminoles could build on sites around the state, and it's possible the Interior Department could allow the tribe to offer table games like those in Las Vegas.

But if he seals a legally binding compact with the tribe, Mr. Crist could win concessions to prevent the Seminoles from expanding beyond seven existing casinos. The compact could also grant the tribe exclusivity, which would blunt the pari-mutuels' inevitable fight for more gambling."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Control gambling (The Orlando Sentinel 9/7)
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