Editorial: Slots and nothing more for Seminoles

Monday, September 17, 2007  

"It's easy to say what should be in the casino deal Gov. Crist negotiates with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It's harder to figure out what kind of deal is possible.

Blame murky laws exacerbated by competing federal, state and tribal interests. But put most blame on relentless backers of Las Vegas-style gambling for Florida and voters who, in 2004, approved a constitutional amendment that allowed casinos in Broward and Miami-Dade if local voters approved. Broward said yes. Miami-Dade said no.

Now, the Seminoles can run only low-stakes slot machines. The tribe doesn't give the state a cut. The Seminoles argue that federal law gives them the right to operate at all seven casinos - such as the Hard Rock west of Hollywood - the higher-payoff slots that voters allowed in Broward. In fact, they claim that federal law lets them offer all Class III gambling, which includes table games such as blackjack. The amendment didn't allow those games.

Jeb Bush was supposed to negotiate a "compact" with the Seminoles spelling out what they can offer - and get a cut for the state. He didn't, and if Gov. Crist doesn't reach a deal soon, the feds could arrange one that doesn't make the tribe pay Florida anything.

What should be in the deal? Ideally, Gov. Crist would let the Seminoles have the higher-stakes slots and nothing more. In exchange, the Seminoles should give a portion of their profits to the state."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Limit deal with Seminoles (The Palm Beach Post 9/15)