"An Associated Press examination of federal records found nearly a dozen tribes have filed applications to set up casinos on purchased land, close to population centers, but far from sovereign Indian land.

The Bush Administration handled such requests by blocking casinos unless they were in “commuting” distance of reservation land.

Would an Obama rule change give the Seminoles and other Florida tribes a new bargaining chip with the state?

Two existing Seminole casinos are in resort areas in the heart of large population centers — Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

But, others are not, Immokalee being perhaps the best example.

A change in the federal guidelines at this time could complicate things in Florida. And, that would be the last thing Florida needs."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Casino gambling ... pending rules on distance may hurt gaming compact (The Naples News 11/20)

Also Today:
Seminole deal may not add up (The Fort Myers News-Press 11/29)
Florida's gambling fever: Contrasting attitudes fuel expansion debate (The Miami Herald 11/29)