Seminole Tribe 'optimistic' on gaming compact

Monday, August 3, 2009  

The Seminole Tribe is "very optimistic" it will reach a Class III gaming compact with the state of Florida, a spokesperson said.

“They have been trying for 20 years now and this is farthest they’ve ever gone," spokesperson Gary Bitner told The Fort Myers News-Press. "The tribe views all the steps as positive. This is the closest they’ve ever been.”

The tribe has until August 31 to sign a compact with Gov. Charlie Crist (R). Terms of the compact were dictated by the Florida Legislature but there have been concerns about exclusivity of Class III games and revenue-sharing.

If the tribe can't reach a deal, it plans to go to the Interior Department for approval. Voters in the state legalized slot machines in 2004.

Get the Story:
Stakes high on Seminole gambling deal (The Fort Myers News-Press 8/3)