Seminole Tribe still working on gaming compact

Tuesday, July 14, 2009  

The Seminole Tribe and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) have until August 31 to negotiate a Class III gaming compact.

The tribe has been seeking a deal for over 20 years. Crist was the first to come to the table but the first compact he signed was invalidated in the state court system after Republican lawmakers complained.

"It's funny that all the other Indian Tribes have created compacts with the state that they live in," council member Andrew Bowers Jr. told FOX 13 News. "And here we are the Seminoles who started this whole gaming business can't even get a compact with the state of Florida."

Lawmakers set the parameters of a new compact but the tribe hasn't said whether it will agree. There are concerns over revenue-sharing and the lack of exclusivity for Class III games.

The Florida Legislature might have to review the deal in a special session, FOX 13 reported.

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Seminole Tribe waits for gambling deal (My Fox Tampa Bay 7/14)