Seminole Tribe not commenting on compact talks

Monday, June 15, 2009  

The Seminole Tribe isn't saying whether it wants to negotiate new terms for a Class III gaming compact but the tribe's lawyer is criticizing the deal.

The tribe already operates slot machines and card games at its casinos. Lawmakers wrote a new compact to require the tribe to share more revenues while restricting card games.

At the same time, the deal doesn't offer exclusivity. A lawyer for the tribe said the compact needs additional work.

"The provision that was passed eliminates the guarantee of exclusivity that was in the original compact," attorney Barry Richard told The Tampa Tribune. "It permits gambling to expand in the state significantly, and the tribe still has to continue to make major payments. So, I think that under federal law that doesn't work. And I suspect it is probably not economically viable for the tribe, either."

Gov. Charlie Crist (R) signed the compact bill that was passed by the Florida Legislature this morning.

Get the Story:
Gaming deal may need alteration (The Tampa Tribune 6/13)
Waiting for the flop (The Ocala Star-Banner 6/13)
Gov. Crist Inks Florida Gaming Deal (CBS4 6/15)