Editorial: Seminole Tribe's big promises on gaming

Wednesday, February 4, 2009  

"This week Florida’s Seminole Tribe upped the ante on a gambling compact with the state by promising very big numbers in job creation, economic development and state revenue.

Talk about temptation during a recession.

Rep. Bill Galvano will have a prime seat at the negotiating table, as acting chair of the House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review.

Last week the Bradenton Republican talked to the Herald’s Editorial Board about the challenges with the coming talks.

That was before the tribe dealt out a strong hand on Monday by announcing in Tallahassee that passage of the deal Gov. Charlie Crist made in 2007 would bring 45,000 new jobs and pump $4.5 billion into the state’s economy upon completion of a grand expansion of hotels and casinos.

The Seminoles also held out an offer of an immediate $288 million deposit into state coffers. With a $3.5 billion gap in the 2009-2010 state budget now under consideration in House committees, the enticement will be great to take the money. Once strong opposition to gambling in the House is weakening, too.

But as we have opined and as Galvano stated, can a better deal be negotiated?"

Get the Story:
Editorial: Rich promises (The Bradenton Herald 2/4)

Another Story:
Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock plans expansion (WTSP 2/4)