"Last month the Legislature showed it couldn't resist the siren song of windfall revenue when it passed a proposed gambling compact between the state and the Seminole tribe. Gov. Charlie Crist, who succumbed long ago, signed off on the proposal on Monday. Crist made his position known in November 2007 when he signed an agreement for the tribe to operateVegas-style casino games, including blackjack and baccarat, in exchange for $50 million up front, and another $100 million each year for the next 25 years. Crist's agreement essentially amounted to Indian protectionism as the deal would have granted the tribe virtually exclusive rights to casino gambling - the state would lose all its guaranteed money if it allowed anyone else similar gambling rights.

Last July, the Florida Supreme Court correctly struck down the agreement saying Crist exceeded his executive powers. The court ruled only the Legislature is empowered to approve such arrangements.

Tallahassee took up the issue this session, with the Senate voting in May to create a compact expanding Class III gaming at Seminole resorts. On primarily religious grounds, the House resisted, wanting to scale back operations.

But with the budget crisis pushing lawmakers to find ways to replace revenue, the House overcame its resistance and both chambers crafted a compact that would net a guaranteed $150 million per year for the next 15 years - a total of $2.3 billion. The money is earmarked for education, which has taken a big hit during the economic crunch."

Get the Story:
EDITORIAL: Gambling gambit (The Panama City News-Herald 6/19)