Editorial: Clock ticking on deal with Seminole Tribe

Tuesday, November 13, 2007  

"Casinos traditionally have no clocks inside so the normal rhythms of time and deadlines won't divert gamblers' attention from the important business of losing their money.

Similarly, Florida has been acting as if there were no clock running on its casino negotiations with the Seminole Tribe, and that attitude could cost the state money. The U.S. Interior Department now says that if the state and tribe don't agree on a "compact" by Thursday, the feds will set rules that would let Indian casinos offer higher-stakes gambling. This warning should focus Florida's attention; a voluntary agreement could bring the state $100 million a year as its share of the tribal casinos' profits. An imposed deal could leave things as they stand, with Florida getting zip.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush opposed expanded casino gambling, and refused to deal with the issue during his administration. The Post also opposed the 2004 gambling amendment, but Gov. Crist correctly understands that he has to deal with reality. Ideally, the state would get the most money for the least amount of new gambling. That would mean giving the tribe more than it has but less than it wants, which would beat letting lawyers for the state, the Legislature, the tribes and existing casino operators watch the clock and keep billing by the hour."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Deal state into casino deal (The Palm Beach Post 11/13)