Top lawmaker voices doubts on Seminole deal

Friday, September 11, 2009  

It looks like the Seminole Tribe of Florida might have to wait for legislative approval of its Class III gaming compact.

The tribe and Gov. Gov. Charlie Crist (R) met an August 31 deadline to reach a deal. The compact promises $150 million a year in gaming revenues to the state.

But Senate President Jeff Atwater (R) said he has a number of "questions" about the deal. In a letter, he told it was "highly unlikely" he would call a special session in October to consider the compact.

"This is a complex issue and conducting a thorough analysis will take time," Atwater said in the letter. "We have a responsibility to exercise due diligence to ensure we understand the long-term ramifications of the proposed compact."

The tribe has been operating slot machines and table games under a compact that was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The new deal was negotiated after the Florida Supreme Court said the first compact was illegal.

Get the Story:
Fla. Senate chief wants to go slow on gaming (The Fort Myers News 9/11)
Senate President Atwater says October special session 'highly unlikely' (The Tallahassee Democrat 9/10)
Senate president wants details on governor's gambling deal with Seminoles (The Palm Beach Post 9/10)
Senate leader rules out special session on Seminole gambling pact (The Orlando Sentinel 9/10)