Editorial: No Class III compact for Seminole Tribe

Tuesday, October 9, 2007  

"Tourists who visit Florida and want to gamble will find that our state offers many opportunities for them to win or lose money. Gamblers can play poker, the Lottery, bingo, dominoes or the slots. They can bet on horses, dogs or jai-alai. They can even take a nonstate-sanctioned, casino-boat cruise for more serious action. What Florida doesn't allow, though, is Las Vegas-style gambling that many heavy gamblers prefer, which is just fine with us. Florida doesn't need to chase the high rollers.

This is the position we urge Gov. Charlie Crist to adopt as he negotiates a gambling pact with the Seminole Tribe. Florida doesn't need to match Las Vegas' allure to gamblers in order to continue attracting tourists. Our state has achieved a reputation as a great destination for a broad spectrum of visitors seeking wholesome fun, including vacationers, families, folks attending conventions or taking cruises, and tourists from everywhere. Gambling is in the mix, but it shouldn't be the main draw.

Gov. Crist should say no to the Tribe's push for adding Las Vegas-style, or Class III, gambling. The Seminoles should be given no more than other gaming operators in the state already have. Florida's Indian tribes should be allowed to expand their operations to include Las Vegas-style slots, which, since a 2005 referendum, have been allowed in the parimutuels of Broward County."

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Editorial: Know when to hold, when to walk away (The Miami Herald 10/9)